Creating White Space

What do you think of when you hear the phrase “white space”? As an artist the first thing that comes to mind is “blank space” on the paper or canvas.  I very rarely leave white space when I create.  I create with my emotions.  I have a lot of them.  I use creating to express them or “get them out.”  They usually come out with a roar.  There is no room for white space.  My emotions fill up the space time after time. 

If you know me, you know I am always busy.  I’ve been this way my whole life.  In other seasons of my life the busy was driven by other people and circumstances. This new season of my life is centered around growth and pursuing my passion.  My passion is inspiring people to create without judgment.  The busy is now centered around finding places and ways to share that with others.  The difference is this time I am choosing the busy. 

I am all about connection.  Creating art connects me to my emotions.  My art connects me to people.  People connect me to the world.  Cool right?  But how do you find people to connect?

I have chosen to accept invitations, stretching myself to try new experiences and meet new people.  The more I do that, the more connections I make, the more I learn about myself and how I want to show up in the world.

I had the pleasure of listening to Kim Taylor speak on peace and productivity during a health and wellness event at Archstone Workspace the other day.  My attendance at the event was not planned.  I had a meeting there in the morning and had to pick up items left behind from my first ever art event held in that space.  The owner of the space invited me to stay for the event and I said yes!

Kim’s presentation was centered on Igniting Personal Peace. The one thing that really stood out to me from Kim’s presentation was the term white space.  For me it was more like WHITE SPACE.  It made me stop.  It made me think.  I’ve been thinking about it for 3 days! 

Not only do I have a lot of emotions, I also have a lot of thoughts.  Bear with me!  I promise I’ll bring it all together.

I thought the white space, or lack of, in my creations translated to my whole life.  My car is a mess, my home art studio is a mess, my head is full of thoughts, my body is full of emotions I need to express, I’m busy, I’m not doing very well at this thing called balance.  I told myself that I don’t do white space, that I don’t know how, that learning was going to be so much work and I was exhausted just thinking about it.

While it’s true I need more of it in my life to feel more balanced, I have also realized that my perception of the white space has changed. I AM good at white space.  Regardless of how full my calendar starts and how much it stresses other people out that i'm busy, it’s mine.  I choose the busy.  I allow myself the space to say yes to opportunities as they arise.  This is my life.  It is full of things that bring me joy.  It is full of connection.  It is helping me with my emotional stability.  It is increasing my mental capacity.  I just had to give myself permission to embrace the white space. What does white space look like for you?

Juanita

Kim Taylor,  Founder - The Zen Within, LLC  thezenwithin.life

Archstone Workspace archstoneworkspace.com