We see a space, and on cue, rush to fill it. Our homes, our cars, our cubes, our time, our minds. The idea of space sits on a fine line; too much, and it feels lonely, scarce and desolate, triggering our human drive to avoid it all costs; too little, and we feel tight, trapped and anxious.
Recognizing and creating the right amount of space sounds like the answer. Well, who has the time for that? We’re usually packed and filled to the brim.
And yet, there’s no mistaking the appeal of space—think hotel rooms, idyllic countrysides, spas, immaculate design stores. What’s right might be different for you and me, but we both know what right feels like.
Because with the right amount of space, there’s an unmistakable sense of peace. It’s an invitation to deep breaths, a sense of joy and freedom and low blood pressure.
It’s the same for inner space. We crave psychological space because that’s where we function as our best selves, but resist the effort and attention required to create and sustain it, a space more valuable than the one in our surroundings.
The sense of freedom that comes from decluttering your home or office is not limited to a purge of material things. Creating inner psychological space is achievable, if only we fill our minds and time with better habits, thoughts and intentions, so we may live better from the inside. Less stress, less anxiety, more resilience, more joy, and yes, lower blood pressure.
A word in current times that directs us toward more space is minimalism, often misinterpreted as less, when in actuality it means less junk and more of what matters and provides value.
Does a spacious, peaceful environment foster inner space, or is it the other way round? To that I counter, does it matter, as long you begin work on one and move on to the other?
If a cluttered, busy, distracted inner chatter is your norm, maybe it’s time to make some space and create some breathing room. A place to be and stay in touch with your center, your foundation.
As you create space, you will begin to recognize that it is invaluable, the difference between a harried unconscious existence and living your life.
How does one begin? With honesty and facing forward. You create inner space by slowing down, by looking closely and looking inside. You practice being present, taking each moment as is and not what it could be.
Eventually, in what appear to be the tightest obligations outside, you’ll behold an ocean of space inside.
There are many ways to get started. It doesn’t matter which way you pick, it just matters that you keep going.
Why? Because that’s the freedom you’re searching for.
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