Creating Space

Last week I started the 19th Annotation Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Our assignment, before we actually begin the retreat, was to create a space where we can quiet ourselves so that we can be focused in prayer and reflection. This exercise made me think about the idea of “creating space” not just for this purpose but for so many other reasons.

One of the things I have noticed this year in my garden was how I really over-planted. It was May and we had been in such a sad place for what felt so long with the pandemic and in May we were just coming out of our homes, just testing the waters of functioning in larger spaces while trying to get this deadly virus under control. So, my daughter and I spent a lot of time planning our plantings. We were eager to be creative and to move toward a more self-sustained life. We did some indoor starters and we purchased other plants at local greenhouses so as to spread the wealth after such a difficult economic hit. The outcome was over-purchase which led to over-planting. Which was really fun in the end because I kind of forgot what I had planted. In the meantime, my husband built three more raised beds, thus extending the garden and created an additional garden on the upper half of our backyard. (In addition we are beginning a little contemplation spot/fairy garden in the wooded area behind my house.) But the garden really was crowded that it stunted some of the growth. I think that the same can be true for us. When we crowd too much into what may very well be well-nourished soil, we run the risk of over-extending ourselves too. It won’t matter how good the soil is if there is no room for the plant to stretch, breathe and grow.

Giving things enough room matters. Creating the space for things to take root will make all of the difference.

During the shutdown, when all five of us were home, trying to work or go to school, finding a quiet space to be productive was a challenge. The late Winter/ early Spring is already a challenge in CNY, but to be forced to function in one space was a lot. Still, we managed. But this time really made me think about space too, it made me think about the importance of quiet, about not having so many energies intrude on your own and recognizing how you intrude on others. So as I searched for a space for the daily practice, I considered this as well.

Physical space.

Mental Space.

Emotional space.

Spiritual space.

I decided to take into account the need to find some emotional and spiritual space away from all of the mayhem that is going on in the world. To separate myself from those who will never accept that I have my own (informed) opinions and conscience. To remove myself from those energies that drain me and that do not serve. I just don’t want to hear it any more. By doing this, I have created a space of quiet. A space that encourages better feelings and kinder actions. A space that allows creativity and that encourages me to broaden my scope. Besides, I think we have all seen enough at this point. If you can’t figure out the best action for your salvation, there is nothing I can say to help you. Christ already said it all.

This whole activity of creating a “space” has become very liberating. It has loosed the bindings on the idea that I have to comply with anyone else’s approach to life. Was my garden chaotic? Yes. But it was also gorgeous and very fruitful and continues to be. Was my family occasionally frustrated and on edge during the shutdown? Yes, but we learned how to communicate with one another better and hopefully to become more considerate of each other’s needs. Do I sometimes miss my social media interactions? Yes, but anyone who cares about me knows where to find me and in truth, I was getting kinda bored.

So, I encourage you to create some space for yourself. Set some time aside with something that leads you into a deeper understanding of yourself and your purpose. As you do, I hope you find or reclaim that space within you that whispers, “You are a child of God, you are deeply loved and wonderfully made.” With God’s grace that understanding will inform how you interact with every other part of creation.