Honoring Space

​Honoring Space
 
 “I am rooted, but I flow.” ~ Virginia Wolf
 
Do you honor space?

We hear these types of catch phrases quite a bit. I feel like people just keep scrolling with an ever-slight eye roll. But in truth, I trust, it got them thinking. Catch phrase or not they are the core for living a life fully.

We need to stop often in our footsteps and ask these important questions. It is far too easy to get caught up in the hurriedness of the world amid every news cycle and the constant incessant barrage of social media infiltrations into our life. There is simply no silence anymore.

This question, while simple at its core, will cause most to struggle in the answer. One wants to just quip back in an agreeable manner defensively, knowing that the last time they paused it nearly broke them. For many, the pause has a fear attached to the act, for in the silence comes the real feelings. It is where the real-life work sits that we avoid as much as we possibly can. The pause calls us out within.

Pausing is hard. Reflecting is exhausting. And awareness is scary.

My assumption is that 'space' means something quite different for each person. Then factor in 'honoring space' and that takes a whole new path which brings in trepidation.

We are walking through life constantly looking at our reflection, questioning who we are. It is our inclination to be forever hard on ourselves for not being the best of ourselves.

We are tired, our eyes show the weariness of the world that has made its mark on our journey thus far.

We are always needing to remember to push through the weeds to the open field where so much of our inner core is trying to bloom. The pause will allow us to remember all the times that the weeds did not hold us back once before.

When we look in the mirror and see the lines of a life well lived upon our face, we need to embrace those stories, those life-giving moments that made us who we are in the moment that we are standing. Those lines, those stories are countless successes walked when the path looked as if there would never be an end.

It is asked of us to honor space to allow you to remember…

You are a brave soul then and now. You need to celebrate and honor this space that holds you.
You are a warrior then and now. You need to remember the battles won and be lifted up by that memory.

You are a healer then and now. You need to remember the wounds that you once thought would take you from this life, instead lifted you up to help the person next to you with their wounds.

You are a giver then and now. You need to acknowledge the moments when you felt you had nothing, yet you quietly gave freely to the person in need when your hands were empty. You gave your presence and listening ear.

You are a lover then and now. You defined a love that matched your soul; you reminded yourself that you are capable of being loved, that love grows and begins with ourselves first. And in doing so, someone else learned how to love themselves because they watched you first.

You were born a beautiful spirit and it has bloomed brighter each day that has passed. The pause wants you to remember to ease your aging worries.

The flaws you think you see are the stories you lived that undoubtedly are gifts for the steps you have still to walk.

The flaws you worry others will see are the empowering moments others are standing in aw looking at you.
When you truly see, you are honoring space.

You are strong.
You are enough.

When we live in the world, not just endure, or suffer through it, we are honoring space.

When we create a Sanctuary for ourselves reminding us of the inevitable importance of safety, we are honoring space.

When we are being love in our darkest of times, we are reminding those who are watching us that they too can be love in their darkest of times. Together you are honoring space.

Today, pause at three separate times. 

Notice.
Breathe.
Honor.

Sometimes, the greatest gifts and blessings are in that space that we push away. There is a gift waiting for you.
​
Go sit with it.