How to Open Space for Change

An Inner-word Exploration

There are three steps to creating change – 1. identify what you need to release in order to move forward and make room for something new, 2. actively release it and 3. allow some time for the “next” to appear.

What do you want to release?

When I recently asked myself this question I could only identify the behavior I wanted to change but I could not identify the cause of the behavior. What I wanted to create was a stronger body and better care of my home What I couldn’t figure out was what was stopping me. That’s what I wanted to release. Was it because I’m in my 80’s and my body will take some effort to regain some strength and flexibility? Or was it just plain laziness, a lack of self-discipline? I love my writing and have no problem working energetically on that. But my body and my home, not so much.

What exactly did I want to release? I didn’t know. But I wanted to change the behavior.

I finally selected several things to release and hoped one of them was right. I knew the end result I wanted, I just didn’t know the cause of not getting it.

Intention is what counts. Intend to let go of what no longer serves you. Let your wiser inner self figure out exactly what that is. Just set the intention to change the behavior and remove any barriers to doing so.

Letting go leaves room to change

First, you let go of what you no longer want and then you sit in the open space that has been created long enough and quietly enough to understand what comes in to take its place.

One way to release what you no longer want

Decide what you want to release. In a quiet space in your imagination, place what you want to release in your open palms. Out loud, addressing the energy you want to release, give it permission to leave. Perhaps you even thank it for its service.

In my case what I was holding in my hands in my imagination went through several stages of identification as I tried to decide what it was exactly that I wanted to release. Was it laziness? Was it actual difficulty in walking and standing because of an aging body? I needed a mental shift but I couldn’t identify it. In the end, it didn’t really make any difference what caused it, I didn’t want that in my life anymore. So I worked with words spoken out loud until I began to feel a shift. “I release my unwillingness to care for my home better. I release my unwillingness to move more. I will actively search for movement and practices that I am willing to do.” It began to look more and more like a matter of unwillingness. But what was underneath that?

If you wish, keep working to unearth and identify the blockages and find the images you need in order to release what no longer serves you. As I spoke my words out loud to whatever I was holding in my cupped palms, I began to understand and define it and finally, I was ready to release it. I opened my palms and blew it out into the universe.

Be creative in your releasing. You may choose to visualize blowing away what you no longer want, or letting it drain away or even lay it down to leave it behind. The intention is to release it. Then sit there in your open space and experience the freedom of having let go of what was blocking you, the energy that no longer serves you.

Sit in sacred emptiness

You have created an emptiness that is sacred. You have made space for something to come in. But don’t be in any hurry to add anything. Simply be mindfully present and savor the open space you have created.

Notice what begins to evolve

Like a shadow taking shape across the floor, or a sound that creates a new awareness, when you sit in the silent, cleared space you have created you are simply to enjoy the freedom of the opened space.

This is not about sitting in a chair waiting for hours It is about a deeper level of awareness you create in yourself One that hears the whisper of the inner voice offering a phrase, or an idea. It is moving through your life with an awareness of what new opportunities show up. They may not be all yours to do but they will be yours to look at. They may spark another idea that is yours to do.

Given time and patience, change will happen. Notice what shows up. Be selective. Be patient. Choose when you are ready.

Your future self

I have been actively visualizing my future self – ten years down the line at 97. She seems to be doing jumping jacks! Happy, vibrant, busy and productive. I want to become that future self.

In the open space I had created I experienced her – her energy, her flexibility. She came into the space I had opened up. I welcomed her into my body suit awareness.

Now I’m not going to leap up and do jumping jacks but I have made a shift – a shift in willingness, a shift in expectation, a shift in what I believe is possible. I will build my platform on that new foundation. Wait for what you need next to come in.

I journeyed again to connect with what turned out to be the Cara of the Future. She said it is not so much focusing on what you are releasing but what you are going to replace it with!!!!! That’s brilliant.

Allow change to evolve

As thoughts and ideas come into your clear space, look at them from different angles. Be selective. What do you love to do? What do you want to accomplish? Let your inner voice suggest ways you can do what you desire.

My shift came when I experienced both my body and my home as sacred spaces. That calls forth self-love and mindful care. And creates a major shift.

Fill the space you have cleared mindfully and take your time. Enjoy the space to breathe and think and feel. Then choose.

Deeper Song Affirmation

I release whatever is blocking my progress and make room to take my next step.

A Deeper Song Process

Do the process described above. Identify what you want to release. You may end up with “I release what no longer serves me.”
Then release it.
Sit quietly and feel the emptiness around you.
Take your time filling the space you have created. In the empty space of stillness, spend meditative time until you are clear what you want to bring in to help you move forward. Take your time. Simply be present and let the empty space draw to you want you need next.
Repeat as needed.