"Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths." - Etty Hillesum

Space, the Final Frontier

Have you ever noticed that moment when your shoulders drop and your whole body starts to relax on a break or holiday? The tension we hold tightly, chronically in response to our daily stressors, suddenly becomes apparent. The break is maybe the only time you realise how much you needed it. It’s only when we allow a space - in time, geography or simple intention that a bodily experience of ease and openness presents itself.

Being on retreat last week was a literal space creator; space and time carved out to distance myself from work, responsibility, worries and usual distractions. I’m back in the UK and in full swing again - hitting the ground running; it feels too soon like I was never away. Already, my shoulders are rising and a small headache appears. I have to remember to keep that effortless holiday spaciousness alive inside my mind and body as I move on again with daily life.

So what do I mean by space?

Available Spaces

Personal space. Solitude.

Physical spaces of privacy and safety.

Space to vent, rant and cry.

Space to pause and breathe.

Space to rest, relax and recover.

Space in the body.

Space for the mind; at times to flow freely, and at others to be still.

Inner Space; to taste infinity and divinity.

Filling Space, Finding Space

Finding space among constant noise can feel impossible when we overwhelm ourselves with stuff (material or otherwise); how much space do you have at your disposal right now? What fills up the spaces in your world, consciously or unconsciously - the 24 hours we all have each day, the environment and people with which you surround yourself, the news and information you consume? If we can choose, how do we decide to fill up the spaces in and around us?

Searching for space when we have many responsibilities might feel like a luxury we can’t afford. But space - whether that means solitude, rest, or any self-care - is crucially important. When we create space, we find it easier to respond rather than react. We take care of our needs so we can be there fully for others. We give our bodies the best chance to rest and heal and reduce the risk of stress-related illness and worsening of existing ailments.

Space isn’t just about mitigating stress either. It supports our flourishing. Where there is space to breathe, there is space to expand and grow. There is a chance for ideas, creativity, and possibilities to percolate. When we sit back a little, we can take space to recognise what’s most important to us. Is this a luxury too, when we only have one life to live? With this in mind, is it too much to ask yourself where you can give yourself a little more space?

A reminder: Space to Rest and Breathe

Give yourself some active rest. Here’s a link to Anna Ashby's free Restorative class on Sunday, 26th February 5 pm. Enjoy.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/restorative-yoga-with-anna-ashby-tickets-526341911827

Exploring the Spaces

Our Yoga practice is a perfect way to tap into spaciousness in so many ways to support our well-being. As I return to everyday life, spaces are rapidly filling up again. My shoulders are rising, a small headache appears. So, where to begin? The head and neck seem a good place to start for tomorrow's practice.