Space leaves room for dreaming. Space allows room for contemplation. Space makes room for adventure and discovery. The beliefs, values and choices we add to our space provide a foundation and a framework upon which we build our lives. The pauses in our life, what we choose to think and do and contemplate in each moment, create the texture of our lives.
The space before you speak
Oh for the times that I should have taken a moment to think before I spoke, to really listen to what was being said, to let go of my personal “stuff” so that I could move the conversation ahead in a more compatible pattern. Take a breath before you speak. Absorb the words of the other person and look beyond the words for their underlying meaning. Consciously utilizing the space before you speak will improve your relationships
The space before you act
Sometimes impetuous actions work out. Sometimes I wish I’d given the situation more thought. And sometimes I give my choices so much thought that I never take any action at all. Learn to respond rather than react. Know yourself well enough to be able to make supportive decisions in every circumstance. If you need to make a list of pros and cons, do it. If you need to learn more, learn it. Become aware of your pattern of action: what you need to understand, what your guidelines are, and even how you are perceived by others when you act a certain way. Then use the space before you act to make the most positive choice.
The space in your inner work
I cherish the space I give to my inner work. It nourishes me. It guides me. It deepens my song. The most important space you can create is the time you devote to your self-cultivation. Those moments of meditation or reading, of walking or writing, whatever you have developed that lets you become more connected with your inner voice of wisdom. One of the most thrilling inner connections I make is when I’m writing and words and ideas seem to flow from somewhere other than my human mind. I simply sit here and type and learn by reading what shows up. I let go and enjoy the ride. We all have intuitive moments. We all have access to our inner wisdom. Practice with those intuitive urges and learn to trust their guidance.
Space as a foundation
How I fill the spaces of my life nurture or crack my foundation. If I spend time being angry or fearful, my foundation will suffer. If I focus on the positive, expect the best and make every choice support my foundation, I will expand my consciousness. We can add to our foundation. We can reinforce our fountain. We can tear out parts that don’t work. We can even leave spaces in our foundation so we can add something unexpected and exciting. How are you filling the spaces of your foundation? What qualities? What values? What beliefs? What insights?
Space as a framework
A framework holds a building together. How I design my conscious space affects how steady I am, how flexible I am, how I express myself, how I am perceived, what I accomplish, who I become, and even how much I love myself. Put doors and windows in your framework so you can enjoy the view. Take pauses to study the effect you are creating, Redesign your framework to make life more exciting. Look in another direction. Sit in a different room of your inner space. Don’t bring a lot of clutter into your inner space. Allow in only what nourishes and nurtures you.
Space as Tao
Ruimi tells us to “Live in the nowhere that you came from, even though you have an address here.” Tao is not a static discipline, but rather a progressive means of spiritual living. It embraces cycles, oneness, and stillness. We are Tao. Tao is within us. Our job is to become more aware of its presence within us and in the world around us. Use your space to simply be. Use your space to experience your oneness with all that is. Learn to reside at the center of the cycle of your life.
“The Master sees thing as they are,
without trying to control them.
She lets them go their own way,
and resides at the center of the circle.”
Tao Te Ching 29 tr. Stephen Mitchell
