Creating that Vitalizing Space

If I were to pick the most indelible take-away from the short time I have spent practicing yoga under some splendid teachers, it would undoubtedly be ‘creating space’. I vividly remember the vibrancy of the instant transformation that swept through my body when my yoga teacher stroked my spine and gently prodded me to elongate it as opposed to the cramping and compression I exhibited in the asana as the cramping-up flew instinctually from a symbolically similar lifestyle. As I found length through my body, I could breathe easier, feel the energy flow through me and experienced true joy- all in a flash because I had ‘created space’.

Ever since, it all does seem about creating that beautiful space which allows one to be-the exhilarating sense of freedom that comes from opening up and not cramping in. As it becomes your operating mantra, you walk taller, sit straighter, your chin sub-consciously always slightly tilted upward to receive the energy available and you exude that energy in every act you perform. The space that your body creates allows and encourages rejuvenating energy to flow continually through your physical being.

This vigor is also generated when space is allowed in relationships. ‘Attachment Theory’ in psychology talks of the dynamics of an infant’s attachment to his mother depending on how the mother treats the child. Among all scenarios, the best case arises when the mother is available for emotional and physical support when the infant needs her but gives space otherwise- a life at such an early stage also requires and feeds from the rejuvenating nature of receiving that space hence the primacy of a similar need in grown-ups is beyond discussion.

The phenomenon is also evident around living areas. A cluttered house by aesthetics, vaastu and simple common sense can never be a place that generates positive vibrations. Only when we de-clutter, make surroundings spartan and define the space does the life-giving force finds a channel to flow and amplify.

The energy-sapping characteristic of a lack of space may also be understood from the intimidation that a stranger’s too close a proximity generates, or the shortness of breath that a crowd that is too dense may induce. As they say, irrespective of the circumference, which is decided by culture and upbringing, it’s uncomfortable for all to have their personal ‘space’ invaded.

Some of us maybe more fortunate geographically, socially, relationship wise and physically to let ourselves experience the sense of liberation brought about by that vital space but next time we feel ourselves cramped, short of breath or energy less all we need to do is de-frown, find length and define that space in our minds so that the path way for the life-giving energy is unobstructed and we can simply be!