Physical Space + Mental Space for Increased Productivity, Happiness and Abundance.
I've been day dreaming a lot lately. I have been pondering and contemplating what kind of space I need in my life to find balance, create action + momentum and to also nourish the parts of myself that need love and attention. For me, it often comes down to space. And I believe that most successful, momentous + inspiring individuals would agree. Yes, our physical space is crucial for productivity and setting the tone for the work we need to do. However, our mental + spiritual space also plays an imperative role in our day to day life, and our ability to "work" or "create" from a grounded and centered place.
There are a few types of space that I believe are recipes for entrepreneurial success and happiness.
The first and most basic: PHYSICAL SPACE
The main message here, is that there is a correlation and connection between the place we work, and the work that we do.
This is not limited to artists. This can be applied to students, writers, body workers, therapists, musicians & entrepreneurs of all kinds. We need our physical work space to be a place dedicated to our craft, and a place that we can sink into what it is we are trying to create....outside of our home. It is just too complicated to combine the place that we are cultivating abundance + productivity with the place we are cultivating (or trying to cultivate) self-care rituals, relaxation and leisure (home). But of course, people often think that this is another investment or monthly expense. It does not have to be! There are dozens of creative work hubs right here in SF. There are libraries, communal art studio's and cooperatives. The list goes on! However, if you are an entrepreneur that has been contemplating renting a small studio or office for sometime now, I encourage you to dive in and take the risk. It is liberating and beneficial. There is often a fine line between work and life, and having a physical space to go to helps to create openness in other area's of your life.
“If you make art, your skills have never been in higher demand. There have never been more people willing to help you do your work and vying for your attention.
There’s just one problem:
You will still be misunderstood. Your work will be misrepresented. You still won’t be appreciated, in spite of your popularity. And at times like these, when the spotlight is on you, you must remember the most important part of a creative life:
Space.
Without it, you flounder and get frustrated. You burn out and blow up. But what does this mean — space? The very absence of something is hard to explain, but essential, nonetheless, especially when it comes to creative work.
There is a relationship between the place you work and the work you do. If your space is cluttered, you will feel anxious. At times, a little nervous energy can be a good thing. ”
Last but not least: EMOTIONAL SPACE
Sure, having a place to go is awesome. If it is a place you can focus, then it works. However, in order to move forward with consistency and stability; we need to nourish ourselves in other ways to keep our minds open and alive. It is so easy to get bogged down by to-do lists and the seemingly never ending emails. Book-keeping. Deadlines. Taxes? Give me a break. However, if we allow the work to control us, we become robots and not inspiring, unique entrepreneurs. WE CONTROL THE WORK. In fact, we control everything we do, and can take healthy steps to help control our reactions to outside circumstances that we cannot control.
I'm a firm believer in practicing what you preach. I am absolutely practicing all of this and very, VERY far from mastering it! However, I have had situations come up time and time again that have led me to a better understanding of what it means to take EMOTIONAL SPACE and make time for my deeper self. Until recently, I had a very hard time asking for help. Period. I didn't trust anyone to help me with post-production, marketing etc. I felt as though I'd worked "too hard" to hand over any power. I was very, very wrong.
I've recently learned that this was my ego talking. This was the control-freak part of myself unable to surrender to what needed to happen. I needed to ask for help, to have a more balanced life outside of this business. To put more energy and attention back into my emotional self. It has been through hiring multiple interns and now an employee that has helped me shed my old belief systems around work and abundance. It has also allowed me to re-discover the activities and hobbies in my life that take me far, far away from technology and to a more calm and grounded, heart felt place. Cooking, yoga, long walks, gabbing on the phone with girl friends, traveling, reading etc. These things make me feel full in all ways. And if they were not apart of my life, I would be the robot I mentioned earlier.
All of us have ways to relax and take care of ourselves. Sometimes taking a few breaths does the trick. Other times we need more intention behind it. I find affirmations to be the most powerful tool to use on a day to day basis. I use them as a way to check myself, allow my shoulders to drop a couple of inches and to reset. One of my absolute favorites is by Louise Hay (love her):
“In the infinity of life where I am,
all is perfect, whole and complete.
I am one with the Power that created me.
I am totally open and receptive to the abundant flow of prosperity that the Universe offers.
All my needs and desires are met before I even ask,
I am Divinely guided and protected,
and I make choices that are beneficial to me.
I rejoice in other’s successes, knowing there is plenty for us all.
I am constantly increasing my conscious awareness of abundance, and this reflects in a constantly increasing income.
My good comes from everywhere and everyone.
All is well in my world.”
Some of you may read this and think "I would never, ever do that on a daily basis." But, we all have things that work for us. So, I encourage taking more action in the realm of creating habits and rituals that are about you and your peace of mind. Whatever they are! What fills your cup? What do you do that always leaves you feeling more at ease? If it is running marathons...go get em' tiger. Or perhaps...Art classes? Concerts? Astrology? Dancing? Tea Time? Whatever it is you deserve it. Make a date with yourself; it deserves an "important" tab on your calendar just as much as everything else.
You deserve to go to that place within often. It can be challenging to access these parts of ourselves when we're out of balance...but it only takes a few days to adapt to new routines. The possibilities are truly endless when we are taking care of ourselves on these various levels. Put your health first and the rest shall follow. Cheers to YOU.
