The Invitation of Space

© Elaine M. Grohman

Photo by © Elaine M. Grohman - Night Sky Mirror

Our language can be complicated. The same word can be used to mean many different things, and the word “space” is one such word. We attempt to understand “space” as we stand under a night sky, contemplating the enormity and mystery of the far distance stars. Space can be perceived as a nearly unfathomable distance away.

One can experience an entirely different perspective of “space” when cradling a sleeping child in your arms. This “space” is a closeness that allows for the experience of awe and wonder of future possibilities in shared fleeting moments.

Many times, people say they “need space,” often as a request or declaration of the need for distance, time alone or seclusion. Space is often perceived as a distance, whether near or far.

We all need “Space” for rest, for contemplation, for renewal and for clarity. We erect partitions in our Minds, in our offices and in our Lives that appear to separate us from one another. We erect flimsy cubicle walls, with the false impression that we can control the perceived “space” we enclose ourselves within. And unfortunately, we create “spaces” in our Minds, in the attempt to compartmentalize ourselves in our own Minds.

I would like to share with you a different understanding of “Space,” one that offers an invitation of inclusion and awareness, rather than a barrier meant for separation.

We all need Space. This Space has the potential to open the doors of possibilities and concepts that we have yet been privy to, and this Space is all around us. There is no distance greater than our self-limiting perspectives, our cultural thinking, and our sometimes misguided, fiercely protected ideas of our Self. What if we were to become aware of the Space that has always been present, silently awaiting our ability to accept Its’ invitation.

The Space I am speaking of is present in the most densely populated cities, in the remotest areas of the globe, in every conversation spoken, in every hand-written letter and every modern-day email or text. Its’ Presence is at every gathering - both large and small. It is in our thinking, in our words and in our actions. It is everywhere, yet it often remains unknown – that is until we enter a shift in our own Perspective. When a shift of Perspective occurs within you, you will never see the world or one another quite the same way again. This Space opens us to new concepts, ideas, insights, and solutions with Its’ joyful invitation to create something new, to use the fuel of the Love that we are to take benevolent Action for all.

Creation is creating constantly, finding solutions, redirecting forces, and literally moving mountains in tiny increments that are nearly imperceptible. Space can do that too, moving us closer to one another if we are willing to remove our straightjackets of limiting thoughts and free our Minds and Hearts to create collaboratively for the common good.

One evening as I entered my home, my Mind was full of the many things I felt I needed to accomplish. I stood at the kitchen sink preparing a meal for some friends and myself. And then the invitation came. A sound caught my attention and my heart leaped with a knowing of who was calling to me.

I stopped to listen, and I found myself entering a new Space. I heard the call again and stepped outside into the crisp night air and listened. “Whoo-whoo,” echoed through me in the silence of the evening as I followed Its call.

I was entering a Space of inclusion, and that shift in my awareness brought me into a world so often unnoticed and left unseen by Human Beings. I was invited into a greater Space than my thoughts, as I stood on the patio and listened to the Great Owl’s call. “Come outside, little one,” was the song my Heart heard. “Know that you are not alone, We share this World with you, and we know Her secrets. Join us in experiencing Space that is inclusive and whole.” I entered the Space of a Being as important as myself, a silent watcher of Humanity.

After a time, I went back inside, and finished cleaning the spinach for the salad, recognizing that I, as a Human Being, could never be wise enough to create the Space needed for this plant to grow, this Leaf of Spinach had Its own Space within the greater Space of Plants, and that Plant’s Space made it possible for my Body to be nourished by It Life – so that I, and those I was about to serve this food, could continue to Live our Lives.

We must all learn to enter a new and different experience of Space – one that will  broaden our Perspectives and our Lives. What we need is already before us. Hold it in your hands and your Heart will enter the Space of Unity and know that we are truly all in this together.