Finding Space
Recently after working hard for over three months without time off, I took a week off appointments to rest and to complete some life admin tasks.
At this time I was unable to go away on holiday as I had some work to do, but I had time to slow down and begin to become aware of some aspects of my life I hadn’t been able to see.
I noticed how when I wasn't on a time deadline, or had to be in a certain place at a specific time, I shifted into a calmer state. I noticed the slightly tense feeling in my chest has softened.
Instead of my mind being focused on”What’s next?” I started to come up with ideas.
My creative brain suddenly had space and on the first evening I couldn't wait to go to bed with my journal at 8pm as I felt there was so much I wanted to express.
I also started to notice some of my shadows, how I often said yes because I was afraid to be seen as selfish. I also wondered if this was also a shadow of wanting to control other people’s reactions to me. I realised I wanted to release this and by doing this gave myself permission to become a little bit more the real me.
In lieu of a holiday, I gave myself a treat by having a wonderful Hot Stone Massage, other than that it was all things that cost no additional money at all.
Meditating. Getting into pyjamas at 4pm.Reading a book in the sunshine. Going to the library. Walking in the sun. Batch cooking for the freezer. Phone calls to friends.Writing.
I am now able to see that I have focused so much on productivity, I had let go of just being. This is very much against everything I do for a living-encouraging others to slow down and take time for themselves.
My solution is to plan pockets of spaciousness into my week. Rather than wait for time off, I will be able to feel that space all year round.
If this sounds like something you would also like, here are my tips for creating this.
Start the day with something just for you
This could be doing some morning pages, going for a jog or walk, stretching, playing an empowering playlist, reading a chapter of a book in bed.
2.Don’t wait for a whole uninterrupted hour
Sometimes you might have a busy day and there is an overlap and not a whole hour completely free. Finding these small pockets of time can be relaxing. Brainstorm some ideas you could do in just 15 minutes. Some suggestions are: Laying down and having a nap, listening to some of a podcast or audiobook, a short Yoga practice, making a smoothie bowl at home, sitting outside in the fresh air.
3.Look at how you are spending your time
Do you feel you automatically have to respond to a Whats app or email? Do you feel ‘on’ all the time? You could schedule set times to reply to notifications or check social media accounts so it doesn't feel overwhelming.
4.When you say yes to something, realise what you are saying no to.
You may feel you want to go out and connect with a friend but if you are exhausted you are saying no for an opportunity to rest.
5.Own your choices
Realistically we often do things we don't want to do. I don't mean work wise- we have to do extra work sometimes for financial/survival reasons, but sometimes you can do things out of guilt, shame, fear, people pleasing, worries of saying what you think. Go through your diary and look at what makes you feel excited and uplifted.
I hope these tips are helpful. I would love to know about your spaciousness in life and what you do to use your free time to find joy in life. Comment below and share with me.