At the end of last year, I was having some pain in my chest. A couple days later, I was in that broadside accident with a red-light runner in a blizzard (more like a red-light slider, eh?). My chest hurt even more. When I went to the chiropractor and he adjusted ribs and such, he said a massage therapist would probably help my muscles relax from the trauma. The stress and tension in my muscles was helping to pull my ribs, literally, out of place. Hence the pain.
When I went to her, she did something during the therapy sessions that was quite painful and uncomfortable. Not enough to yelp or cry, but definitely enough to make you squint and grit your teeth. She was pushing a metal "T-bar" into each space between each rib. On my back, she poked it slowly and deeply between each of my ribs as they met at my spine - on both sides. Same thing on the front on my sternum. Dreadfully uncomfortable.
As she pressed hard down into that joint between ribs,
she was forcing the muscle to push out of the way.
I asked her what she was doing and she simply said,
"I'm making space."
* * *
Let's open up the idea of space for a second.
In order to have space, it can't be full, right? Obviously.
Instead of defining it as purely physical, let's look at it as an opening.
But in order for it to open,
it can't be full, right?
What's that thing weighing you down? For some of us, it's STUFF.
For some, it's piles.
Or dust or excess or hoarding.
Or debt.
For some of us, it is far more intangible things that are holding us down.
Or filling us up.
Or being over-committed.
Or being full of loneliness. Didn't see that one coming, did ya?
Are you fighting something? Are you afraid to fight something?
Are you avoiding an important conversation?
Maybe you simply don't have the energy to open that "can of worms."
You know, as you physically clear and clean an area, it is ALWAYS MESSIER before you finish. At least when you started, there were piles.
As you organize, things get even more chaotic for a bit.
And so it is similar emotionally.
It is ALWAYS MESSIER before you finish.
As we round the bend of 2012, I challenge you to MAKE SPACE. Dare to have that conversation. Dare to take that step to heal that wound that has been holding you down for a lifetime. Acknowledge what you are fighting or avoiding.
And then move toward making a space - for something else.
Something new.
Something healthy.
A cleaner environment for you physically, emotionally, spiritually.
I guarantee it's not going to be easy. For some of you it won't be easy to start. For others, you can start, but it is hard to finish.
The HOW:
Physical space - start by clearing and cleaning just one drawer, or counter, or couch, or part of a room. baby steps. Invite someone over who just loves to organize. Humble yourself to ask them for some help. Get rid of things that are not truly useful, beautiful, or sentimental. Give away, sell, throw away, garage sale, Craigslist.
Emotional space - plan some time to be alone. Find a place that speaks to your heart. Maybe talk to a trusted friend about what's going on. Or a counselor or simply someone who is ahead of you on your path. Or if you're a loner, plan some time to be with people and connect. Small groups at church, recovery groups, hobby or special interest groups, classes at the community college or rec center.
Practice being thankful. It will open you up.
Spiritual space - take time to pray. If you don't know how to pray, simply say Thank You and list as many things as you can and give them up to God. As Him to touch your heart, open your eyes to see, open your ears to really hear. Take time to listen. Take time to surround yourself with beautiful things and see God in every detail. Read your bible. Read books that help you grow spiritually.
Look around. Look inside.
Be willing to see what is taking up space in your life that doesn't serve you.
And move it from taking up space to
making space
for a strong finish to this year.
Making space by opening my heart - Ana-Christina
