There are times in life when we have to take risks and let go of those things we know in order to clear the space for what we truly want and what, ultimately, will nourish us.
Many years ago I received some wonderfully wise advice from Barbara Levine, a fellow student on a Masters degree course I was taking in California. At the time I was wrestling with a really tough decision. Should I, or should I not walk away from a long-term relationship? I'd been struggling with this decision for many months and felt completely paralysed. To me there was no clear answer and the more I thought about it, the more I seemed to be going round and round in circles.
I remember saying to Barbara that what scared me about the thought of leaving this relationship was that I'd be left with a giant void. Nothing. No-one special in my life and that frightened me.
After a few moment's silence Barbara suggested that instead of thinking of it as a scary, empty void, perhaps I could think of it as a Fertile Void instead.
A fertile void, where new things can take root and grow.
What a brilliant concept.
After all, if a garden is choked with weeds and brambles, you have to dig them all out and clear the space before you can plant new flowers and shrubs. In order for beautiful things to flourish, you need to clear the ground for them.
Run-down buildings may have to be demolished in order to create an inspiring new building. The incredibly inspiring Eden Project in Cornwall was created out of, literally, a hole in the ground - a perfect example of a fertile void if ever there was one.
Is there something you need to let go of? Do you need to create the space in your life for new seeds to take root and grow?
If you have an experience to share please do leave a comment.
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