Making Space

Space, in a shrinking encroaching threatening world, is hard-won. But space is not just physical, it is also psychological and in our minds we can create space. In meditation we can ground ourselves and allow ourselves a sense of a shared space... the air we breathe, the strands of existence in this chapter of the human epic, a mingling unconstrained, of stories coming together, touching, coinciding, coexisting.

Transcript

This is a themed meditation entitled Making Space. First a few words for contemplation, And then the narration. It is a given that space in our world is steadily being eroded. From a physical perspective, There is our inexorably increasing population, The drift to cities because that is where most expectations can be met, The effects of global warming in reducing temperate habitable areas of our planet, This and more, As well as the actual reduction in usable landmass in the face of rising sea levels. But from the metaphorical perspective, There is also that sense we all have, Or know that we don't have, Of the space to be ourselves. And that depends on other people, As well as ourselves. Likewise, Others' space to be themselves depends on us and not just themselves. To each one of us is given the power to limit the other. We can cut them off short by interrupting, We can thoughtlessly reply without ever having heard what they've said, We can let our assumptions colour our judgements and attitudes, We define the other as what we want them to be to fit in with our life scheme. But also, If we choose, We can meet the other with openness, Receiving what they wish to give as the person they are, And trusting that they will accept what we can bring from who we are. This is a meditation with the theme of openness. Sit comfortably in your chosen position. Let loose and relax the muscles which you find tense. When you are ready, Turn your attention to your breathing. Feel your being as its living breath. Draw in the world with the air we all share. Give back yourself into that communal space. Watch the circle of your breathing turning slowly, Gently making space. Our sense of ourself is of solid being, Yet our bodies are more space than matter, Space within clusters of atoms. Our form is permeable, Our outline shifts, Our air in common with others around. Our belonging in a place is no more than where we happen to be. Our happening in time is our place in the human chapter, Our presence, Our place in the strands of existence. For as long as you choose to sit, Let your mind float through images and memories of family, Then friends, Then others around you. The sense of a mingling unconstrained, Of stories coming together, Touching, Coinciding, Coexisting. And when you end your sitting, Return through your breathing to your world, Bringing with you this sense of openness and ease.