Stun guns, pepper spray, and personal alarms are excellent products for self defense. They have saved many people from catastrophe. If you carry one of these items, they should be close by and ready to use. Carrying pepper spray in bottom of a purse would be of no help if it was needed at a moment's notice. While these products can be very effective, they must be used in conjunction with Awareness, otherwise they can be rendered useless.

Now that you can see power of symbols and how they can prompt certain reactions, why not use this to your advantage in creating more soothing surroundings at work and at home?

Here is a list of several symbols that have been used throughout ages to represent such things as peace, tranquility, serenity, balance, faith, hope and goodwill. You may wish to consider one or more of these elements in your decorating plans since many individuals react favorably to these symbols and enjoy their essence.

-Dove of peace -Angels (some even have angels holding a dove of peace) -Serenity prayer or other prayer for joy or peace -Peace sign -Bless this home -Native American peace pipes and such replicas -Water element or fountain -Yin yang (balance) -Peace crane -Rainbows -Color blue -Color white -Olive branch -Chinese characters proclaiming peace, joy, love or harmony

As you discover that your body and mind reacts to soothing symbols, you will want to consider including some of these symbolic elements when decorating your office or home. Adding these accents will not only help you feel more relaxed and inspired, but will also help your visitors experience your surroundings as more soothing and inviting.

Liz Hekimian-Williams is founder of Giftsprings.com, an online gifts and home decor shop where you can find a large variety of home and garden accents, holiday, personalized, and special occasion gifts. http://www.Giftsprings.com