Open Space. Open House. Open Heart.
Monday, October 7, 2013 at 12:40 PM Social media is all the rage and one I have very mixed emotions about… kind of a love/hate relationship. Facebook is great for quick status updates and blogging allows me to share larger thoughts and topics, but sometimes I miss REAL voices.
This was the inspiration for setting aside Friday (October 4) and inviting people to a telephonic “open house.” Within a few hours my schedule for a dozen 20-minute conversations was filled with a delightful array of guests.
Topics ranged from boat travel to boobs, tattoos to Tonglen practice, self-publishing, self-worth, and self-growth. The callers included friends from across town, clients around the country, writing pals, soul sisters, and a few new friends that up until this day I’d only met on Facebook.
Needless to say it was an off-the-charts FUN time! I was enlivened by the numerous ways people showed up. I heard about burgeoning careers, unexpected grief, travel preferences, greatest delights, and biggest fears. We talked about Paris and writing and the challenge of being 20-30-40-50 or 60-something. And, of course, we talked about cats!
Some of my favorite quotes showed up:
“How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?” Satchel Paige
“Age is mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter” Mark Twain
and one I’ve been pondering a lot since last weekend’s at-home meditation retreat:
“To receive, an empty space needs to be there.” Susan Piver
This notion of open space is one that’s stayed with me throughout the week and weekend. In fact, just last Sunday I was standing in the rain telling mon amie, Sharon, that my calendar for the coming week was completely open other than one early and one late commitment on Monday.
At that moment in time, I never would have guessed the week was going to turn into one of memorable proportion filled with new travel opportunities, an opportunity to receive a tremendous gift and then offer another one (or two).
Life is short. I try to remind myself of this every day. The best way I’ve found to remember the things most important to me is by leaving a little “empty space”… open space in my mornings, on the calendar, and in my mind and heart... and waiting to see what arises.
Where do you need open space in your life? If it were available, what would you fill it with? What might arise?
Let me know. I'd love to chat :)
Reader Comments (2)
Lovely post, Kayce! Thanks for taking the time to share your experience. :)
Likewise, Michelle for sharing yours!! xo