Photo by Brett Ritchie on Unsplash

For as long as I can recall, I’ve felt like I’ve been searching. For what, I couldn’t have told you (not until recent times, at least). What I did know though, is that I didn’t feel ‘whole.’ I felt an endless, inner void within myself and that I was constantly in search for something with which to fill it.

Funnily enough, what I was searching for was also a void of-sorts; however, the place I was looking for was not one of emptiness, but rather, a place of respite from, paradoxically, the need to be continually searching!

A place where, instead of constantly searching for fleeting, artificial layers to protect from the chill of the hollow cavity, it allowed the cultivation of an inner-warmth which radiates outward, freeing from the need of external comfort and enabling all fictitious cloaks to be shed.

This pursuit, is the pursuit for space.

Finding Space

My belief is that, at some point in our lives, each to varying degrees, we all yearn for space.

I do not mean that we are all, innately, aspiring astronauts who are being called towards the outer reaches of the galaxy by a higher power (not physically-speaking, anyway 😉).

Rather than outer space, I am speaking of ‘inner space’; the space we each hold within us, in its purest form, free of noise from the outside world.

This space can be an airtight, impenetrable fortress which protects from the innumerable layers of complexity that come with living in modern civilisation.

Think of it as a filter, giving us great clarity for discernment of thoughts, actions, beliefs, and values which either represent our truths, or are tainted by external influence.

The ultimate goal, although never fully attainable, is simply to enable authentic expression.

Sadly, for the great majority, the haze of society and modernity corrupts our senses, blurring our vision and turning this inner sanctuary into a mere mirage (if we are lucky enough to notice it at all!).

My Developmental Model

Through my personal exploratory journey of inquiry, contemplation, observation, trial and error, discovery and adjustment, it was clear what worked well for me in order to nurture, grow, and continually find my inner space.

Here, I share my developmental model of finding and creating space. By no means is this a definitive or perfect model, but rather, as mentioned, the model which was born from my personal experiences.

It is a developmental model as it is not intended to be used to get you to any end goal or ultimate destination. This is a model of lifestyle to be adopted and lived by indefinitely; the search and expansion of space is an eternal quest.

The model is something which I followed and refined over the years and have here, attempted to capture the key elements of wisdom from my experiences as best I can.

To discuss in a bit more depth, each element of this model is acutely considered in its placement in the overall framework, the positioning of each element within the sequence, and the balance of each element which creates a perfect harmony.

The model is linear, and deliberately starts with the physical element of development, then moves onto the mental, then finally, the spiritual elements. I feel that this is usually the natural sequence, given that optimal function of body and mind will equip us with the necessary clarity for deep, inner exploration.

The model is also cyclical; that is, there is no ‘beginning’ or ‘end.’ Rather, the model is continuous, representing an infinite loop, a developmental model fostering perpetual progression.

The model also, in a way, represents a hierarchical structure. The physical and mental elements, when continually nurtured and developed, provide the solid foundation to build a deep spiritual connection. The spiritual element sits at the peak of the pyramid and is the overarching element of guidance which transcends the world of physical matter.

Finally, each element within the model is complementary and proportionate. Each element is essential to the function of the whole, are equal in size, representing equal criticality, and are each perfectly balanced harmoniously, allowing the expansion and holding of internal space.

I have not yet decided whether I will elaborate on my personal practices when it comes to each element of the model, and this is for a number of reasons:

• Most practices are easily accessible all over the internet so I would only be regurgitating available information.
• My sharing of the model is not so much about the practices themselves, but rather, the focus is on the intention behind them; that is, finding and creating space. How we have done this is not important.
• What works for me will not necessarily work for you. Sure, there are so-called ‘guiding principles’ and ‘best practices’ out there, but for me, part of this journey is discovering what works for you personally. There is no such thing as a cookie-cutter approach, and I will never prescribe anything which would be construed in such a way.

Perhaps, if there is demand for it, I can share as a way to provide ideas and/or guidance, so we will wait and see.

Any questions, comments, thoughts, please feel free to share or get in touch!