“Create space simply to ‘be’ and clarity emerges for you to see.” — Gabriella Goddard
As a writer, educator, facilitator and speaker on the power of presence, Jacqui Lewis knows a thing or two about mindfulness. We had the pleasure of interviewing Jacqui in issue 06 of our print magazine and wanted to share some of her insights on the importance of cultivating space.
A vital thread within the tapestry of a mindful life is space, which acts as a doorway to channelling both creativity and clarity. “There’s a beautiful Japanese word called yohaku, which means creating white space,” explains Jacqui. “To really appreciate things, you need to have space around them, rather than it being cramped. So when I look at my calendar, I need to be conscious of creating gaps, like yohaku, in the day and in the week,” she continues. “I always try to leave 15 minutes to half an hour between each meeting throughout the day. On a scheduling perspective, sometimes that doesn’t make a lot of sense because it means you can’t fit as much in, but the quality of the work that I end up being able to do and who I am when I turn up to those things is a different person to when I am pushed and running late.”
Space is a notion that extends far beyond your schedule, too. Jacqui reveals the many other ways you can create space in all layers of your being. “My favourite way to create physical space is through yoga, my favourite way to create emotional space is through present-moment awareness — so being present to my emotions, being present to how I’m feeling, checking in with myself rather than getting lost in a train of thought or projecting into the future or worrying about something that’s happened in the past — and my favourite way to create spiritual space would be through ritual.”
Actress Alysia Reiner suggests that when you create the space, a bigger life can emerge. One of our favourite rituals for carving out space is the practice of journalling. When you consciously write down your thoughts and feelings, you not only cultivate awareness, you also gain clarity on life, which is one of the most pertinent ways to connect with the present moment. We invite you to use Being’s Mindfulness Workbook, Gratitude & Hope Journal and Mindful Journal as mindful companions for cultivating space in your life.
