The art of making space in your life.

If you took time off this summer, September is probably the payback month. All the things that need to get done that have been put off due to a busier social calendar are tugging at us. We also often abandon our self-care routine, we skip our personal quiet time, we miss class, we get off our diet, etc… adding “I should get back to that …” tugging in between the piles of unfinished projects.

Of course we tell ourselves that we will get to it all when we have that magical “extra” time.  A day consists of 24 hours and that is not likely to change anytime soon. Why do we think that somehow we will get “extra time”? Our days are usually filled with non-stop tasks, appointments, deadlines and social obligations. We need to learn how to fit some pauses in our daily living. We have to make it, take it, and create it.  We often avoid pauses and space by constantly filling our time and environment … We need to learn to create and schedule space mentally, physically and spiritually.  Making space isn’t just about doing nothing.

Creating space in your life can be an “energetic detox.” Your sacred space can be a few minutes of quiet time, a relaxing bath, yoga, a walk in nature, finishing a personal project, a craft or activity you love to do, journaling, an organized home. Personal space is not just a bit of time you stumble upon when other plans fall through and you happen to have a few unscheduled minutes.  Making space can be as simple as investing in a wonderful soap and enjoy the time we have in the shower or completing nagging tasks such as cleaning the inside of your car or a closet. Creating space for yourself is an act of self-love and is a gift to you!

Most of us keep up with the big tasks like paying bills and the “visible” stuff like lawn care. All the smaller projects that pile up left undone are a source of mental stress. Each of these tasks are small individually but all together, jumbling in the background, not only create stress but take up precious mental space.  If you make a list of all the things you want and need to get caught up on, you will begin to ease that mental stress and feel an immediate sense of relief also known as mental space. Then schedule time to do the one thing that feels the most daunting. The feeling created by accomplishing something and crossing it off the list can be very fulfilling and also creates mental space. As you free up mental energy that is attached to things left undone, you ease mental stress. This enables you to accomplish all the tasks of your day with more ease and focus.

The other valuable part of making space is getting rid of what you don’t need. Not just the things that are broken or no longer fit, but everything that simply never gets used. If your closet is over flowing it may be time to thin it out. Tending to the physical space around you will reduce stress in your body. September is the perfect time to take advantage of the great Jacksonville town-wide yard sale. If you cannot participate, you can donate to the Booster club, your church or there is always Goodwill, Community Works (541) 779-4357 and many other opportunities to pass on the things that you don’t use.  If you have good office clothes, “My Sister’s Closet” 541-944-0900 is a great organization that helps people who are re-entering the work force in need of proper attire. The Family Nurturing Center 541-779-5242 can always use any good items for families and small children.  It’s a great feeling to help someone in need and get to lighten up your load. As we make space around us physically, we create a more peaceful feeling within.

The less tangible part of creating space is tending to your inner well being. It is one of the most effective preventative medicines, along with eating well. It has long term health benefits.  Self-care is usually at the bottom of any to-do list and is often the most neglected part of ourselves, especially during busy social times. Our emotional state is a prefect reflection of how well we are taking care of our spirit. Getting proper rest is crucial to maintaining our health. Do you sleep well at night? Insomnia is one of most common side effects of emotional stress. If you spirit is not at peace, what is that about?  Keeping busy is a great way to stay disconnected from our emotional well-being.

Taking a few minutes a day to cultivate a peaceful heart by breathing and making space for quiet time to address our internal needs is one of the best cures for insomnia. Take time to think of something that makes you happy or do something that brings you joy. If you love to write, paint, or do anything creative that feeds you, make space for that in your day. Give yourself that time.  Working with a coach or a therapist can help you discover what brings you joy and reconnect to that peaceful place within.  Yoga and Meditation offer us an opportunity to meet and ease the internal blocks to create a more joy-full spirit. As you give yourself the gift of sacred space in your life you can release stress, let go of resistance, fear and negative thoughts as well as ease physical, mental and emotional tension. This can result in a happier more joy-full you and what a gift that is to others around you. Remember to take time to breathe.

You can review some of the breathing exercises by going to www.louiselavergne.com (under “Relax”) and read previous articles at www.joyfull-yoga.com under Joyfull Living.
© Louise Lavergne 2001-2011 www.joyfull-yoga.com; 899-0707 Louise is a JoyFull living coach, Motivational speaker & owns JoyFull Yoga LLC in Jacksonville. She offers group & private sessions here and across North America.  She has been practicing and teaching yoga and meditation for over 25 years.