The idea of “creating space” has so many implications and could be thought of in so many different ways. I love that, and we mean it in every different way, really- clearing both mental & physical clutter so that clear thoughts and actions can better come thru.

Jen talks about your body as your space in her Truthy Tuesday post today. And I also think of it in the sense of creating a space where you live, and work, that’s really conducive to whatever activity you wanna do in there.

So here are some things I do to “create space” in both my home and brainscape, so there’s more room for the good stuff to come in.

Separate and define your spaces

I recently learned how important this one is, especially if you work from home where it can be so easy to fall prey to distraction- it really helps to have an established work space where all you do is work, and relaxation spaces that are for chilling out alone. They could be in the same room even- sitting at the desk = work time, sitting in the comfy chair = curl up with a book time.

When those spaces all start to overlap though and the laptop comes in bed with you, and couch downtime becomes time to catch up with emails on your phone (I’m guilty of both), then your brain starts to feel like it just can’t quit. It makes it so much harder to relax when it really comes time to, because you’re so used to also working and thinking and concocting big ideas in those same spaces.

Create designated spaces for designated activities. Setting boundaries around your spaces will give your brain a trigger that when you lay in bed, it’s time to relax and get sleepy, not turn on. When you sit down on the couch to relax it’s time to veg and read magazines, not just another chance to catch up on emails. When you’re in your craft area it’s time to get wild and creative and not worry about how messy it gets. If you create the spaces you need and use them as such, it’ll make your days flow so much better!

A place for everything

I’m the type who can stand some clutter and piles (secret: I may even prefer it that way, it feels like I’m living and getting stuff done when there’s clutter around- weird, I know) But I think one reason I can function with a little mess is because I know it all has a place to go. I’ll take 15 min to clean up and there’s a place for every paper, doodad or whatsit- and if there’s not, I make one. And if I can’t find a good place for it, I question whether I need the thing at all!

If you bring it in, take it out

My mister and I shop at thrift stores almost every weekend- that’s where most of my wardrobe comes from, so I bring home new-to-me clothes and home goodies pretty often. But it starts to build up, and I only have a tiny closet and so much dresser space. And we have a garage full of stuff we no longer need to clear out. So we’ve made a new rule- every time we visit a thrift store just to shop, we bring a bag or box of stuff to giveaway at the same time. Feels awesome to get rid of what you don’t want and bring in what you do want on a regular basis- good habit to create, I think.

Inspiration stations

So I mentioned the need to create defined spaces up top- I think it’s also important to bring inspiration into those spaces to help set the mood, set the tone, create the energy you want in that space. In my office, I have the desk where I’m typing this up from now, where I get to gettin’. And above that is an inspiration board that has reminders of all my goals and where I want to go in life. It’s basically a reminder of why I’m working so hard and helps keep me motivated.

I also have a comfy ol’ chair in the window next to my desk, and that’s where I meditate, write, read books, draw a tarot card for the day, contemplate stuff- it’s so conducive to that and helps bring that relaxed energy into the whole room.

Having little “inspiration stations” to both stimulate the brain and help calm it can help you stay clear and focused on what matters most!

Smell the air

I love candles, incense, big ol’ smudge sticks of sage (so many of my hippie tendencies coming out in this post), especially during meditation or relaxation, as it’s another way to set up a mental cue- every time you smell that scent, your brain says, “Ah, time to relax now…” And I notice now, after lighting a certain incense every time I meditated for a few months, now the smell alone can help me transition into that focused, concentrated mood. It’s a focal point really, and can help clear and calm your mental space.

I think no matter what kind of space we’re talking about, it’s about making your space work for you in your life. Your mental space, your home space, the physical space you inhabit- you have the power to create them all, to really take control of the spaces you live in!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Check out Jen’s post about your body as a space, and clearing out the “I Cants”.

Share your thoughts/tips/struggles around creating space on your blog too, and we’ll post a link right here for our readers to check out!

Gillian from Craftzilla Conquers the World shares her ideas of space & where she’s craving more of it

Kelly from Living Apockylypse shares her plan to claim more space in her Craft Cove

Courtney from The Chakra Glow shares her thoughts on creating emotional space and letting go

 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

What does “creating space” mean to you? Do you need to create more space in your life, or recreate your physical spaces? What are some of your inner or outer clutter clearing tips?

Tweet