The Graceful Void

"Grace fills empty spaces, but it can only enter where there is a void to receive."

-- Simone Weil

We're full of it! Whether "it" be beliefs or opinion or thoughts or emotions -- we're full of them all. And our lives are full, too. Full of stuff we no longer need, objects we never use, crap that merely clutters, and toys that distract but fail to entertain. Finally we're full of activity. We're always going, always doing. Time for one mammoth, wholesale spring cleaning! Time to get rid of ideas, things and actions that truly don't serve us.

Creating external space is easy. Sell it, give it away or recycle it. Pare down, clean up, and simplify. Removing unneeded externals from your life is a great lesson in detachment. And in generosity.

Eliminating unconscious activity can actually be fun. Learn to say no to things you really don't want to do, rather than simply doing them because you always have, or because you're asked. Take the "Don't just do something, sit there" approach to life, and you'll find that not only does your life open up externally but your mind quiet downs internally, as well.

And that's the hardest part -- making space between your ears. The constant cerebral buzzing, the roof brain chatter, and the roller coaster ride of emotions goes on and on unabated unless you consciously work at letting it go. Your mind and your heart are your personal containers for grace, but if they're already filled to capacity grace will indeed go somewhere else.

So today your work is simple -- eliminate rather than add. Allow thoughts and emotions to pass through your mind like clouds in a summer sky. Give away those items you no longer need and that no longer make your heart sing. Empty your PDA or to-do list of unnecessary and unfun activities. Stand in awe as grace enters. Sit in repose and reap the benefits of returning to the Void. Grace-full living just requires a little space.