Sunday, July 4, 2010

52CP26: The Space Between

Happy Fourth of July! I'm posting a little later in the day than usual because Friday was my birthday and we had a party last night and I've been a little sidetracked there...

One of the things that I've become increasingly aware of lately is how busy all of our lives are and how full our schedules are and how easy it is to just be on the go - usually at full throttle - all of the time. I've also been getting more and more frustrated with my lack of focus and my inability to pinpoint exactly what it is that I could be doing to lead a more fulfilling life that resonates with my values and belief system on a deeper level. Right now I feel like I'm "going through the motions", and I know many others who feel the same way. Because of this, our focus this week is on "the space between".

We've all heard the phrase "reading between the lines", and understand it to mean that there is as much - if not more - information in what is not said, as there is in what has been vocalized. Paying closer attention is indicated and necessary to catch that information.

I've been watching "So You Think You Can Dance" this season, and one of the recurring criticisms/suggestions from the judges to the dancers is to do something with the space between the steps that the choreographer has given them - a space to put their emotions and creativity.

In music there are notes - quarter notes, whole notes, half notes, etc. - but there is also a symbol called a "rest". It indicates exactly that - rest, or "leave a space" in the music. This makes a much more interesting musical composition and is useful in creating mood, as well.

In design, "white space" is a valuable tool. In interior design it is necessary to have spaces that are not filled with decorative items. If there is too much, the eye doesn't know where to look first because everything is competing with everything else; creating vignettes with space between leads the eye around the room, enhancing individual elements and giving a pleasing overall effect. The same principle applies across all artistic/design disciplines.

In "life", it is necessary to carve out space in our days to be still - be it through meditation, prayer, pondering - whatever. If we allow ourselves this stillness, we will be amazed at the rejuvenation of mind, body and spirit. I further believe that this space is where inspiration lives. Unless we are able to shut out the "chatter" of the outside world, we cannot possibly hear our intuition and the still, small voice that reveals to us our highest, best selves and the next step(s) in our journey here. It is a way to "pay closer attention" and get new information (or remember what we already know but forgot about). Besides, we all need a rest... Make it a priority to take time to Be Still.

Paper:Unknown; Accessories/tools: Cuttlebug with bird and branch embossing folder and Nestabilities Labels Four and Eight dies, Offray ribbon, Stampin'Up! Word Window punch, computer (Flinglet font), pearls


2 comments:

Kristen H said...

This card is gorgeous. And I need this reminder to rest all too often. I go, go, go too much! Thank you for the great inspiration!

Have a great rest of your week!

Elisa said...

Thank you foor being you