Watch this (White) Space

How much white space do you allow in your life? Is it something you are conscious of? There is great variation amongst us regarding how much space we enjoy. 

We can see this any given day: in queues, at bus stops, and at red traffic lights. Some welcome each brief pause as a respite from busy-ness, a moment to take a deep breath, look up at the sky, feel the breeze, smell the roses, and connect with themselves. Some ignore the moment, moving past it to another activity. When another activity isn’t readily available, some experience tension, even stress, at the idea of spending a few seconds with themselves.

How do you feel when you have to wait for something? When there is unscheduled time in your day? 

During the past few weeks, we’ve experienced one of the whitest winters in recent memory. We’ve certainly looked out the window onto an abundance of white space outside!

While snowstorms can be difficult, there are also hidden gifts to be found. Amongst them is waking up to a heavy snowfall. If you live in a house, you’ve experienced the sensation of utter silence upon waking after an overnight storm. The snowfall outdoors being so heavy creates several feet of cushion around your bubble. There is little if no traffic and activity outside yet. This combination creates ideal conditions to connect deeply with oneself. To be still. Those who meditate may appreciate such an opportunity and recognize it as a special moment.

Snow or no snow, we’ve all created things in our lives, and so we’re familiar with the experience of white space. A fresh start. A beginning. A blank page. 

Does the thought of an empty canvas thrill you? Cause you anxiety? Meet you with ease? Something else entirely?

When we’re creating, we start with what may appear as nothing. The act of generating ideas comes easier to some than others. For those who like a helping hand, we’ve created a new segment in our newsletters called Journal Prompt as an option for those of you who would like to explore or deepen your journaling practice. Let us know how you’re finding this. 

In honour of all the white snow we’ve seen this winter, and the white space theme of this issue, here are just a few of the white items currently available at Figg Street Co:

Has this issue inspired you to notice the space in your life? Taking even a few seconds in our day to notice stillness and silence can be restorative and make us feel calmer. We wish you much calm and peace in your week.