Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.                                     Viktor E. Frankl

I spent last weekend on retreat in the outstandingly beautiful area of Dartmoor.  It is the most inspirational and natural place to be with oneself observing not only the changing colours of the skies and rugged ancient landscape but also the changing weather within ourselves.  Being with Nature can help us to bring everything back into perspective.

 Whilst there we discussed the importance of creating some space in our busy lives.  So often we seem to roller coaster from one event to the next without giving anything any thought or time to settle in, without drawing a line under what has passed before moving on to start something new.  This often means that we carry “baggage” from one meeting or event in our lives straight on into the next without realising it.  So the energy from a troubled business phonecall or  argument with a parent can be carried over into a family meal, a walk with the dog or drink with a friend.  Is this fair to the family, dog, friend or, above all, to ourselves??  It can mean that we are not really present in the current moment and therefore we don’t get the full benefit from the present and neither does the current event  get the focus from us that it deserves.   The energy that we take to the following event can have a negative effect also on the family and dog etc and this can then have the butterfly effect of being taken on by them into their lives and all who interact with them.

So the creation of space – sometimes as simple as taking a few deep and grounding breaths – and bringing ourselves back into the current moment – is so important to our enjoyment of our day to day life and to allowing us to live it fully. To actually be there wholeheartedly in our present life – rather than just physically there, and mentally elsewhere – can bring a richness and depth that has previously not been experienced.

 Allowing space between events can also allow us to reflect and act accordingly rather than act on a whim or with an automatic reflex action.

 Of course, our yoga practice can allow us to connect to this space and it creates a pause between one part of our lives and the next.

Have a wonderful rest of the week and enjoy the “space” created by the Bank Holiday.

 I look forward to seeing you again soon!!