Clearing a space…what does that mean? For most of us, life is oftentimes so frenetic that we can barely cope with the juggling act called daily-life that we attempt to balance. And even if our private lives were perfect - which of course they aren't - we would still feel the impact of the larger world with its high degree of uncertainty in all areas, from economic instability to natural disasters, and of course that most illusive (and dearly wanted) aspect of global life called PEACE.
So how do we cope? This is what I know to date: I can not personally 'fix' the world situation, and transform it into all of what I wish for: a harmonious, caring, prosperous society with no wars, good health, and opportunities for each and every human being.
There is however another place in the land-of-daily-coping that I call, "The land of the possible."
In that world there exists more viable possibilities regarding what I can do. What I can do to effect change, both internally: to become a calmer, saner, more loving being, and externally: to give what I can where I can, to help, to heal, to foster love and right human relationships. This I can do, but it requires 'something'…
That 'something' has to do with a state of being or state of mind that is clear as in: uncluttered and unburdened, where I can just be and see myself, over and above the unpredictability of the physical world.
Space Creates Possibilities
Why would one want to do that? Well, first of all, in that clear space, (separate from issues and problems) is a world of possibilities: possibilities for reflection and insight, for emotional re-attunement into a space that is calm and uncluttered with the 'stuff' of daily life.
Second, in that clear realm, the possibilities for change exist in two ways: first internally in the world of intuition and vision, and second externally: bringing that vision into the outer life so that we are calmer, dealing more sanely with our families, work, and with the world around us. In this clear space we have more energy to give and serve others and to take better care of ourselves.
The process is called "Clearing A Space." It is the first step of a longer process called "Focusing," developed by Eugene T. Gendlin. (Bantam, 1978). It can be used as a preparatory step towards paying attention to issues and concerns that burden our lives - or as a foundation for meditation, contemplation, and reflection.
Clearing A Space Has A Number Of Purposes Including:
Creating distance from a problem or issue in order to see it freshly, with a different perspective (like backing up from a very large painting to be able to take in the whole picture).
Another way to say that is to think of yourself as ‘'' and the problem or concern you may have as ‘it'. Then, we might say that we want to form a better 'relationship' between I and it: "There's me here and the issue there. I am not the issue. I have the issue."
Frequently, where people get stuck is in not backing up far enough to experience the self as a separate entity from the issue.
Then there is a more complex aspect that we might call the 'internal order' of things. Sometimes when we have a concern it feels huge inside - a really big issue. Yet when we sit quietly, we discover that the whole issue isn't nearly as troubling as some very small thing that has been gnawing at our insides that we didn't even notice.
So learning how to sort, itemize and prioritize internally means: lining up all of what's there, seeing and sensing what's big, what's not-so-big, what has to be done now, what can wait until later in order to get an over-all picture.
Like any 'to-do' list, making the list doesn't get the job done, but it surely feels better to at least have made it. Then when you are ready, you do one thing at a time and checking things off as you go along.
Finally, we take the time to clear a space to get in touch with what we might call a natural state of being that is already whole, healed, and well - something like giving yourself permission to experience a state of tranquility or equanimity.
When To Clear The Space
As mentioned earlier, for me this process has become a cherished daily habit, because it helps put both my day and my energy into perspective. If this is new for you here are the crucial times you would want to clear a space:
First, when there is so much happening in your life that you need to sort out what is going on, and to find your Self under the 'debris.'
Second, if you are bombarded by too many things at once and need to sort things out (e.g. what's important, what can wait); if you are feeling overwhelmed or upset, or perhaps you need to make an important decision and want to take some quiet time to see the whole picture and consider creative alternatives.
Or, maybe you just feel like relaxing and being free of everything for a while (with no plan to do anything) except enjoy your own company.
Hopefully, after you experiment a few times, it will become increasingly clear as to how the process best serves your purposes.
How The Process Works
First we close our eyes and begin taking a few deep breaths - in and out. Deep rhythmical breathing helps to slow down the thought process, and prepares the body for a change into a more relaxed and calm state.
Next, we gently let our attention go down into what we call the 'center of the body' starting at the throat, and moving down through the chest, stomach and lower abdomen, scanning and simply noticing what kind of feelings are residing in these various locations.
At this point we don't 'do' anything. This part of the exercise is simply observational noticing things like:
- Oh, it's a jittery feeling in my stomach…
- Mmmm…there's a kind of lump in my throat…
- My heart feels a bit heavy today…
The next step is to accurately (in your own words) 'label' each issue. Then, in imagery, finding exactly the right place to put that issue or concern, for just a little while.
For instance - There's the heavy feeling in my heart…about my friend…It wants to stay close…I'll keep that next to me on the couch…
Everyone's imagery is so specific and unique, and images don't have to make any logical sense. You may decide to put something you don't want near you in a field, or on the moon! Simply get a feel for where you wish to place each issue - just for now.
Once you've given a specific 'place' to each concern or issue, you'll notice something very interesting: the whole area in the center of the body now feels lighter, perhaps freed-up a bit. There is more room, more space…
Now comes the best part: hanging out in the clear space for a while and thoroughly enjoying the respite. Ask yourself: What does it feel like to be me, in a clear space, free of issues, concerns, problems…for just a little while… And notice how that feels. Keep in mind that you are giving yourself a gift of time and space to re-charge, re-group, and re-experience what we might call a 'natural state of being' where the authentic Self can just be.
The experience of being in a clear space is different for each person. For those of you who are visual, the clear space might be on a beach, on a mountaintop, in the woods, or in a beautiful valley. For some it might 'literally' be a clear space - that is, a space with nothing in it but clear light, or pure sky.
For some people the meaning of clear space comes with a sensory quality: a feeling that is warm, safe, and restful. And for some it is a combination of feelings and visual pictures. Notice over time what it means to you to say: This is my clear space - or - this is me in a clear space.
When you've found your clear space, thoroughly and completely enjoy it. It is your natural right to experience a safe and open space, free from all of life's issues, at least for a little while each day. The result will be more energy, clarity, openness and caring - toward yourself and toward others.
This article is based on Dr. Eugene Gendlin's work, Focusing (Bantam 1978).