The room I didn’t know I needed.

I moved recently, after decades living in the same house. Sorting through years of belongings, I kept finding things I’d held onto without quite knowing why.

The surprise didn’t show up in the packing. 

It was how much lighter I felt once there was room to breathe again. 

My new place is smaller and delightfully bright. I chose to turn a small bedroom into my studio. Having been unable to paint for over six weeks, I could feel myself itching to begin.

Change does that.

It clears a path and then asks what you'd like to put there.

If you're moving through a transition of your own, whether a role you've outgrown or a quiet sense that something wants to shift, you don't have to figure it all out at once. 

Sometimes the first step is making a little space and seeing what shows up.

3 ways to create space and hear your heart

In the midst of a life that is full and often demanding, the thought of carving out space for reflection may sound good, and also feel daunting.

Try one or more of these ways and see what shows up for you.

1. The power of 3 intentional breaths

It may seem unlikely that pausing for 3 breaths can be significant, but give it a try.

Sit in a quiet spot (after you wake up, by closing the door to your office, or on a sidewalk bench).

Close your eyes. Relax your shoulders and your jaw. Maybe put a hand on your heart.

Inhale slowly and feel the air fill your chest and move down into your belly. Then exhale even more slowly.

Repeat 2 more times.

Take a moment to see what shows up for you. Maybe a new insight. Maybe a question. Maybe just feeling more open and relaxed.

2. Download whatever is on your mind

Pull out a journal or pad of paper. Set a timer for 5 minutes. Start writing.

Write whatever is on your mind, questions you are grappling with, emotions you are feeling — or any jumble of thoughts that want to hit the page.

When the timer goes off, sit for a moment.

How do you feel? Has anything new occurred to you, or have any “aha’s” surfaced?

Keep going if you have the urge to, or repeat later if time is short, or simply savor the satisfaction of getting it all out — if that’s how you feel.

3. Get a little silly

Find a moment to do something fun, laugh with someone, or play a bit. Loosening up by feeling free and playful is a great way to open your heart.

You can do it alone or with others. Give it a try and see what shows up for you!

What happens next

When you’ve created a bit of space, don’t push yourself or rush to figure things out.

Feel into what you are called to consider, or the questions that came to mind. 

And if insights show up quickly that you know, deep in your heart, are true, honor them.

Much of my work is about just that — supporting the process of deep discovery, considering where new insight can take you, and moving ahead.

These have been pivotal to the expansion I have experienced in my life, and I am honored to help others expand into what’s true for them.