Empty space can be an invitation. Whether space in time or a physical place, emptiness invites creation - a making of something where there was nothing. There is a creative act in the filling of emptiness; I like to call it Spacecraft.
The past year of my life has been one of fluidity. There is less predictability, schedule, and set expectations, than in other seasons, so that leaves a lot of empty space to be filled and it's up to me to decide how to fill it. Who to be, what to do? These are big questions.
I keep finding myself saying I want to, "create spaces for people to access their own wisdom." I just keep saying that and so there must be something Real in it. Surely, I must listen to myself and surely there must be wisdom in something that seems to keep bubbling up from a place deep inside.
Here are a few of the spaces I've filled or I'm working to fill, all exciting and touching on a purpose I can't quite pinpoint and say, "This right here is who I am and what I do." All I can really say is, "I'm starting to specialize in Spacecraft."
SPACES IN TIME
- There is a week in July that a friend and I decided to use to bring people together across continents and across religious divides to form lasting friendships. We meet each week to decide how to best fill this week and we're quite certain it's going to be a special time. Find out more at The Unity Initiative website.
- Nonprofit organizations in the region are giving me spaces in their annual staff retreats or within their work days to lead workshops on staff care and soul care. Emotional and spiritual burnout is a common issue for those working to improve the lives of others; we can't give what we do not have and we cannot help when we are cynical and stressed. This has become an issue I love working on and one that needs addressing. I'm also consulting individuals who are taking a personal retreat and need ideas on how to best fill their time to make it meaningful and leave them feeling full again. This is all a lot of fun for me.
- Last year, I worked with a team to host 200 people from this region and around the world to come together and learn how the teachings of Jesus are not Christian, but radically relevant to us all and a point of unity across the divides in our world. My specialty was in organizing the small groups and craft how people from all different backgrounds would get to know one another deeply within a few days. It was my dream assignment.
PHYSICAL SPACES
- Last year, we crafted a rooftop jungalow addition to our home. An empty rooftop is now a treasured Space for the Special.
- There is a piece of land right on the Nile River, only a few kilometers from where this longest river in the world begins its journey. A vision is slowly forming around this family property and we've had the fun privilege to share in its creation. A beautiful home is nearing completion and we hope to use this space to serve others well for rest, fun, and soul-searching.
DIGITAL SPACE
- Last year I began The Living School and I'm working to be more consistent in my spiritual practice alongside motherhood. It launched me into a journey of questioning whether it's possible to be both a mother and a contemplative. After all, there aren't many role models out there who bridge those two worlds. After thinking about this for over year and talking to several other women, I started on online space to expand this conversation. Do let me know if you're interested in exploring the topic of "Motherhood as Spiritual Practice" with me.