Setting up your space

When I infuse intention, take time to set up, clean up, clear up, get my mind right, the next thing is always better.

My office is most often my kitchen table. I have other rooms and other surfaces to choose from in my house by which to work, to create, but this is the place I choose again and again. It's also the busiest space in my home. When I say, "busy," that's just a soft way of saying "lots of stuff, clutter, stimulation. But, it's also where Harper's favorite places to be near me are. I know I can't work well in chaos and clutter. So, I take a moment to clear, de-clutter, remove confusion, put things away to where they belong and then begin my work. I can immediately breathe better and my creative brain can surface. Fight or Flight or Freeze is real. I know my triggers. :)

When I make the physical space around me feel more spacious, when I diffuse visual stimulation relieving my mind to more calm, I am more creative and productive. The less distractions we have, the calmer for our nervous systems. We feel safe in our physical bodies and our minds are free for greater awarenesses and nuance. Sublime.

Welcome to your mat, your practice, your setting up of your space.

First, you've made the decision to come to your practice. You've cleared your schedule and signed up for class. Secondly, you've driven your car to the studio, picked out a parking spot and walked inside. You've taken off your shoes, set down your bag and after you've selected your spot on the studio floor, you roll out your mat, grab blocks, maybe a blanket and you set up your space. You begin to invite your practice to fill it. You've created space where you can dial down the chatter of the mind, where your body can feel safe so it can be strong and supple and gripping no longer holds demand over you. Each time you clear the clutter, you give yourself opportunity to evolve from the grosser aspects of the practice to the more subtle ones. Your practice is your place of study; classroom, your office. Setting it up is your foundation to flight and freedom.