Is every space you occupy shared with children, a partner, co-workers?
This lack of physical space is a very obvious reflection of our inner lives; space in our minds is also a scarcity. Do you make time for reflection, introspection or plain old mental rest? Now, more than ever, this is exactly what we need.
One Small Step At A Time
In order to get clear about what is right for you, or to recover, even momentarily from stress, I tell my clients it is imperative that they make an actual physical space that is theirs.(Check out my Recovery Program) Even if it is just a drawer, or a shelf, I insist that they start somewhere and now. Eventually, the goal is to have a whole room that is theirs, where they can close the door and be unavailable for a good chunk of time. When was the last time you were unavailable?
Stepping Into Nothingness
What does physical space have to do with your mental state? It is a concrete representation of nothingness. Nothingness is step one in creating. Just think, what’s the first thing you do when you want to change something in a room, like the paint or the flooring or even rearranging the furniture? You clear everything out. It is the same with your mental space. In order to get a handle on your life, you need to spend some time clearing things out. The major thing that needs clearing is your thoughts. Your mind is full to bursting with 24/7 chatter. Pause right now and just tune into your thoughts. Am I right? Lots of chatter there?
Even if you live alone, making space in your physical world and in your mind does three things. It will bring clarity, centeredness and creativity.
Clarity
When you are making space, physically and mentally, you get clear about what you want to keep and what is just taking up space, which translates into a drain on your energy. Pick up the objects around you in any room and decide, does this represent who I am or who I want to be? Is it useful? Does it bring me joy? Do the same with your thoughts. Is what I’m thinking about myself or others true? Is it serving me? Is this who I am or want to be? Does what I'm thinking bring me joy?
Centeredness
Physical and mental space helps you center yourself. In other words, it helps to ground you. Time and space are the best for feeling your feelings and hearing your inner wisdom. Both vital to being a happy person.
Creativity
From you're clear, centered place, creativity will have a chance to blossom. When you are clear and centered you will begin to notice new thoughts, ideas. You will hear your inner voice that has lots to say about who you really are and who you are meant to be.
Right now I am looking ahead to the next phase of my life which is coming at me fairly quickly. I get overwhelmed when I think of all the things I want to get rid of and of the way I want my actual, physical space (as well as my actual, physical and mental self) to be, so I am starting very, very small. Just a few items per day I am sorting into give-away, throw-away and keep—physically, mentally and emotionally.
If you're not making space for yourself, who will? Tell me how you're making space for the real you.
Jennifer Washington
Certified Martha Beck Life Coach
What Now Life Coaching
www.whatnowlifecoaching.com