The Space Between Is The Birthplace Of Action

I imagine that everyone can relate to having the desire to do something or even the inspiration to do something and yet be frozen and unable to step into action. Alternatively, there may be a difficult decision that you need to make. The common word that often shows up with either dilemma is procrastination. The moment we step into the realm of procrastination we also are inviting fear, guilt, and shame to come out and play. The other thing that happens here is a dance of extreme opposites. One side is the action steps needed and the other side is all the data that supports you not getting into action. This dance is unfortunately all too common for those of us who want to be creative and share this creativity with others.

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Procrastination is not Laziness", I tell him. "It is fear. Call it by its right name, and forgive yourself.” Julia Cameron The Artists Way

The answer is to connect with the space between those extreme opposites. A helpful way to explore this can be to have a dialogue with yourself using some props. You will need 3 physical items on the floor to represent these 3 places Ex. see the image below. (You can use 3 pillows or 3 books or 3 pieces of paper. You will be physically standing in each spot)​

​( 1 ) The action you know you need to take

( 2 ) The story that says taking action isn't possible
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( 3 ) The space between

Start by standing in ( #1 ) the spot of "Action you need to take". Take some time to imagine the steps needed as well as the starting place or the first step. Notice if connecting to these steps brings a sense of overwhelm or makes you feel anxious. Are there a lot of steps and actions that are needed? Is this something you have attempted before? Simply observe and notice what you experience in this first spot. Also, notice any emotions that arise and any feelings or sensations in your body. You may want to journal or write down what you observe.

Next go to ( #2 ) the spot of "The story that says, action isn't possible". Chances are that this spot will be the hardest to stand in. The key is to observe the story that you are telling yourself. Then notice if there is a history to this story or ​times when you have taken action and failed. Again notice what you experience standing in this spot. Notice any emotions that arise as well as any feelings or sensations in your body. It is highly likely that the energies associated with this spot have been a frequent struggle or theme. Slow everything down and allow some space and time to be with what arises. You may want to journal or write down what you observe.

When you feel ready, move to ( #3 ) the spot of "The space between". As you stand in this spot you may still feel your energy is drawn towards the first two spots this is okay. This exercise is not about leaving those spots behind. Rather it is about allowing them both to still exist. You may feel the distance between those spots. Which physically may feel and look like having your arms stretched out with your palms up. If it feels right you can slowly bring your hands together with palms up and out in front of you. You are energetically bringing both extremes into the present moment. From here you can take a deep breath and connect to your inner wisdom. What is possible from this space? What options might not have been considered? What do you notice in your body as you stand in this new space? What energies are available to you in this spot? If anything was possible what would action look like? What you are looking for is new ideas or thoughts or ways of being that emerge here. You may also need to once again cycle through the first two spots and then return here. Once you come back to this spot notice your emotions and feelings. Notice the "possibilities" that arise here. You again might want to journal or write down what you observe.

What emerges from this activity will be unique to you. Don't be surprised if it is a very simple action or clarity around the next actions to take. Ideally, you will feel free and unburdened from this experience and you will have a sense of empowerment. You may also need to surrender take some time and come back to this activity when you are in a different space. Or you may ask a friend or someone close to guide you through the experience. Clarity and inspired action live in the space between what we think we need to "do" and the "story" that we tell ourselves about the action we want to take. The space between is informed by present moment awareness, possibility and a tiny bit of magic also known as the voice of your soul.

Follow your heart. It knows where you are meant to be." ~ Matt Kahn