Rejuvenating Openings

Ahh, some space. I didn’t realize how much I needed this. Now, I can rest.

Space

Every once in a while, we need space. We may not have realized we do, but the signs are there. We’re tired, strained, overwhelmed or operating on autopilot because we can’t center in the moment. We haven’t recognized our need for space. We’re focused on keeping up. We think stopping isn’t possible. We’ll get some rest and relaxation later.

Space is essential to our balance and joy. It creates distance from our everyday existence. We, or our circumstances, bring us out of life and set us apart from it. In doing so, our perspective changes. We can rest and restore and return to our center. Space is a period of time empty of distraction or stress. We have the freedom to roam or rest and do whatever we choose to. Space is a healthy place of separation.

Creating space frees our minds and hearts and our time. Within this kind of space, our choices lie totally with us. We do what we want to do without the interference of what others may ask for or demand from us. We have room to rest, relax, create, move out of our everyday, think, de-stress and so much more.

Sometimes Space Comes Unbeckoned

Space can show up uninvited. We may see it, at first, like a disruptor. We are busy, have things to do and feel we must keep going. But here it is. We are becalmed in a busy sea. It may be that we have burned ourselves out and do not have the energy to keep going. We may have physical limitations that stop us in our tracks, even if temporarily. Things we anticipated may, unexpectedly, fall away and we find ourselves without those things to do.

There are many ways space can show up unbeckoned, but when it comes due to our own neglect or insensitivity to our needs, we have some correcting to do. We don’t want to be jarred into balance abruptly. It is not a smooth process. Often, it involves time and strong intention to bring ourselves back to center. It doesn’t have to be this way. We have agency in our lives and can avoid this.

Other times when space comes unbeckoned, it can be a gift or a message. There is a need for us to have this space for our own use or to be ready for what is to come. If we recognize it, we can use it to our benefit. If we deny or ignore it, we do so at our peril. Open space comes for a reason. Rushing past it leaves us vulnerable to needing even more of it later and possibly to suffering consequences we do not welcome.

Acceptance

 Reaching a place of acceptance that space is essential to our balance and joy, enhances our lives. We can begin creating space and recognizing it when it comes unbeckoned.  Here are some ways we can create space in our lives.

• Keeping overthinking in check.
• Saying no when we need to.
• Releasing things that no longer serve us.
• Making balance and joy a priority in our life.
• Acknowledging our power of choice.

It also can benefit us to be able to recognize when we need space. Here are some ways.

• Building in regular times (once a day?) to pause and recognize how we are doing mentally, physically and emotionally.
• Valuing times of silence.
• Identifying “911” signs that tell us that we are in need of space (e.g. physical exhaustion or ailments, feeling emotionally drained, irritation or anger, feeling a lack of balance or joy or having a high stress level)