Indoor Fountains for Natural Tranquility
Water, whether in the form of a vigorous waterfall, the ebb and
flow of the tide lapping on a beach, or a tinkling woodland
brook, brings life and refreshment. To be able to relax beside
flowing water has always been a luxury reserved for people who
live in the country. Now, with the availability of indoor
fountains, even those who live in an urban highrise apartment
can enjoy the same refreshment.
Indoor tranquility
fountains can be found in a variety of natural materials.
Natural slate forms a portion of many indoor fountains. Slate is
a dark colored sedimentary rock that forms in flat layers,
making it appropriate as a surface for water to spread over. The
gradations of earthtone colors become glossy and enhanced
beneath a thin coating of moving water. In other fountains,
clear glass is used as a backdrop for the moving water, allowing
sunlight to shine through in rainbow sparkles.
Copper
is often used for the basin containing the fountain. It can be
finished with a clear coating, in order to retain it's patina,
or it can be left natural to acquire copper's customary green
tarnish, or verdigris. The basin often contains river stones,
already polished smooth by the movement of river water.
Specially engraved stones can be added to these pebbles. These
special stones can be customized with affirmations of love and
worth, giving an extra lift to the spirit.
Indoor
fountains can also come in styles handcrafted and fired of
glazed ceramic. Some have tuned bells for the water to trickle
over, and some have small lights to further enhance the sparkle.
Plants and candle flame can be added into these fountains, which
in many cases are works of art.
How exactly does moving
water enhance the feelings of peace and tranquility? Here is a
very simplified explanation. Water molecules are polarized -
that is, they have a positively charged side and a negatively
charged side. When water moves, the extra electrons on the
negatively charged side get knocked off into the air. Having a
negative charge, they attract positively charged particles in
the air, cleansing it. This is why you feel so refreshed near a
waterfall or after a rain. Don't get shook by the idea of the
"negative" charge. This is one case in which a negative charge
has a positive result!
Indoor fountains range in price and quality from small
discount store units under $30 to huge wall models that cost in
the thousands. You should be able to find a lovely and inspiring
design for $100 or less, depending on the style you desire.