My space
‘I am in the centre of my sphere and have been since the moment I was born; life has been about me.’
The above sentence is quite a statement. During my life there have been times when, to my chagrin, I have definitely been at the centre. I cannot remember being a child who vocally exclaimed “Me, me, me!” to either be the first in the queue or protest that I should be receiving what someone else was given. I would more likely have stood on the edge thinking, “I wish I could have that”. I hear people today use the phrases ‘me time’ and ‘I need my space’.
We’ve had a bereavement in our family which has left a huge gap. During the lead-up to and over the Christmas period we found that we all needed our own space. That space was different for each one of us and it was quite a challenge helping each other to find the space that we needed. I have asked some of the family what space means to them and I’m adding my own thoughts as well. For some ‘space’ is doing something different, like taking time to read a book, go for a walk, get some exercise, not have to think about the next thing on the agenda. For others it is finding a place to be quiet to enjoy stillness and tranquillity.
Have you seen a hamster on its wheel? There’s no way to get off it. It goes round and round getting nowhere fast and, according to my granddaughter, the only way to stop is to jump off. What about being on a treadmill? It’s a bit risky to get off without pausing it first to avoid hurting yourself. Consider driving in the fast lane – the driver needs to change lanes, slow down and maybe turn off the motorway. The ingenious modern vehicle displays the message, ‘Remember to take a break’.
Perhaps we need to consider taking a break more frequently than we are used to. So often there are warning signs which we ignore to our peril. The stopping process could then be catastrophic rather than an easing down to a halt. It’s worth slowing down, rethinking and making a good decision. January, the first month of 2023, has almost gone. Is this year going to be different, one where we don’t selfishly say ‘I need me time’ with me in the centre, but rather one to cultivate ‘space time’, the reliever of stress and ensurer of peace.
The above sentence is quite a statement. During my life there have been times when, to my chagrin, I have definitely been at the centre. I cannot remember being a child who vocally exclaimed “Me, me, me!” to either be the first in the queue or protest that I should be receiving what someone else was given. I would more likely have stood on the edge thinking, “I wish I could have that”. I hear people today use the phrases ‘me time’ and ‘I need my space’.
We’ve had a bereavement in our family which has left a huge gap. During the lead-up to and over the Christmas period we found that we all needed our own space. That space was different for each one of us and it was quite a challenge helping each other to find the space that we needed. I have asked some of the family what space means to them and I’m adding my own thoughts as well. For some ‘space’ is doing something different, like taking time to read a book, go for a walk, get some exercise, not have to think about the next thing on the agenda. For others it is finding a place to be quiet to enjoy stillness and tranquillity.
Have you seen a hamster on its wheel? There’s no way to get off it. It goes round and round getting nowhere fast and, according to my granddaughter, the only way to stop is to jump off. What about being on a treadmill? It’s a bit risky to get off without pausing it first to avoid hurting yourself. Consider driving in the fast lane – the driver needs to change lanes, slow down and maybe turn off the motorway. The ingenious modern vehicle displays the message, ‘Remember to take a break’.
Perhaps we need to consider taking a break more frequently than we are used to. So often there are warning signs which we ignore to our peril. The stopping process could then be catastrophic rather than an easing down to a halt. It’s worth slowing down, rethinking and making a good decision. January, the first month of 2023, has almost gone. Is this year going to be different, one where we don’t selfishly say ‘I need me time’ with me in the centre, but rather one to cultivate ‘space time’, the reliever of stress and ensurer of peace.
Merle Sparkes
|
Copyright © 2014-2023 Halesworth Community Church. All rights reserved.
Registered Charity No: 1125417 Privacy policy |
|