Don't Miss the Spaces in Between

Each of us has a tendency to fill our time to the brim, maybe even overfill it. Every moment is often used doing something, but if we always transition quickly from one thing to the next, we have no space in between. For it is often those spaces in between that define us, where we slow down enough to notice what is happening. It’s those moments where you see the beauty of a view, your gratefulness for a friend, or your love for someone dear to you.

To use transitions well, I would imagine that most of us do not need to add something, but simply take it away. This means striking a balance between doing what needs to be done and stopping to reflect on your life in the present. Many of us fill our lives so busily and are still surprised when we haven’t slowed down to transition. We need time to sit with our own minds, consider how we see the world, and react to our life in the present.

Since our natural tendency is to fill our time, it means we must battle for the spaces in between. It’s a challenge to say no, to remove tasks, and to have a point of reflection in our day. But it is often the most simple lives that have the most meaning. There’s a reason that people are fascinated with groups like the Amish. It’s not because their rules are perfect or horses are better than cars, it’s mostly because of how they’ve learned to live a simple life. They don’t get caught up in the complex things that steal attention and they enjoy what they have. And so can we, if we will spend a little effort to transition well.

This week – whenever you can – avoid rushing to the next thing. We all have things we want to do with our time, but if we move so fast through life that we don’t enjoy the spaces in between, we miss them. Take the time to truly see someone, meditate on what you care about, or reflect on what is happening in your life. Enjoy the gift of the spaces in between.