Between stimulus and response there is space. In that space is the power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.--Viktor Frankl
I love what this quote affirms, the reality that between instinct and action, there can be insight. It doesn't seek freedom through thought control (judging "negative" thoughts or sensations as immediately bad) nor does it insist that the first reaction is the right one (judging a decision's wisdom by its rate of speed). Rather, Frankl encourages us to give ourselves back the gift of space, and with that space, the gift of time.
Throughout this practice, I've been using a variety of images and words to describe the experience of an uncluttered freedom: a garden, beginner's mind, an exodus, a rolled away stone, an open field, barefoot in the grass. I think of the opposite of these experiences and qualities, and of the kinds of human miseries, oppressions, and sufferings that result when we fear the open places, and seek to limit our own, or others, access to that which is unfettered.
Where is the open space in your life now? What image describes that open space? What's the story behind that open space? And how are you keeping open your space and your time?
(Photo courtesy of Sam Ramji)
There is more open space in my life now when it comes to allowing myself space to embrace my imperfections. I have been working so hard over the past few years on improving my health that I often overlook all of the things I have accomplished and focus on the things I am not doing. Having a new mental space open up that creates a gray zone- not right, not wrong- but a place to learn and reflect has become really important for me.
ReplyDeleteMy best almost open space is WellSprings! Thanks to all of you
ReplyDeleteThe invisibility of space, that is the air we breathe and the wind that dances with the pine boughs, and the ineluctability of time passing fascinate me. Because I cannot see the breeze, the sound of the wind chimes outside my sleeping porch is always a delightful surprise and marks no particular passage of time. How long or how often that mellifluous sound will continue is an unknown and a reminder that any time I try to control space or time I end up laughing at myself. How I envy my cat's oblivious contentment.
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