Spaces in Between
There is a lovely, meditative song called “The Spaces in Between,” written and recorded by Shaina Noll. I listened to it while I practiced a morning ritual using a horse stance posture. I needed to maintain the same pose for at least seven minutes. I liked other songs by this artist, so when I saw this one was just over seven minutes, I thought it would be perfect. As I listened to the words while holding my posture (not the easiest thing to do, but with focus you can do it for much longer) the insights that came from those simple words were like a little surprise treat. And I like little treats.
Life is full of relationships, events, activities, action, situations, confrontations, conversations and things to handle. Then there are the spaces in between all of these stories. We like to create or attach ourselves to these stories or situations. In doing so we generate emotion, confusion, excitement, fear, trepidation, anxiousness, and the list goes on. But, in between these states of emotion and reaction is space. Sometimes we use this space to process, think or make choices. The kind of space that jumps out to me is the space in which we are simply part of existence, when a higher force or power that shows us how to simply let go of all the “stuff” and the “noise of our thoughts” and just be. That can happen only when we tune in to the quiet within the space and let go of the clamoring.
The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools. – Ecclesiastes 9:17
When we are solely with our thoughts we lack for nothing in that moment. You may have to dig a little deeper to really see the meaning here. Truth is always present. The truth of who we are, what we need to do or not do, is always present. It is up to us to see it, and to own it. How do we achieve that? If it were so easy, wouldn’t it just be that way? How can I change what is or how I feel? It’s simpler than you might have imagined.
Unfathomable mind is expressed. The depth, breadth, height, might, majesty and glory of infinite love fill all space. That is enough! – Mary Baker Eddy
Pause for a moment. Right now. Take a deep breath in and let it out slowly. As you exhale, allow your mind to empty. See the exhalation like a dam bursting and the water flowing out. Visualize the flow of that water like a wave, and allow the thoughts you have or are holding on to simply ride that wave right out of your “mind.” Bring your focus to the wave of breath washing out as you exhale. See yourself as though you were surfing on that wave. When you concentrate with that visual image being your only thought, you will see all other thoughts are paused or gone. When you capture the essence of this meditative exercise you will see how simple it is. Each time you feel you are welling up inside with emotion—no matter the type—you can use this simple practice to help you empty the vessel you call mind until you just see or feel the space in between your thoughts.
In the quiet spaces in between all the thoughts and happenings, you can discover real truth emerging. As you stop attaching your thoughts, fears or emotions to a story you are believing to be true, you will see tension fade, love emerge, fear vanish and answers come. This is especially helpful if you are feeling conflicted, angry or in turmoil. Once you detach your emotions from a situation and breathe in the spaces in between, you will feel lighter, and you will begin to see more clearly. Be open to the answers that come. They are your genuine guide to the freedom you seek from your troubled thoughts. Look for the spaces in between your stories. Love will meet you there.
The space between your thoughts is the window to the cosmic mind.
– Deepak Chopra