Before I can think about creating a personal sanctuary, I need to create stillness. I need what I call The Clearing. The uncluttered floor, the empty desk, the tabletop of nothingness. I need to make room.
At work I clear my schedule to make room for something important.
When kids come back from school, calendars are cleared to make room for time with them.
When I’m overwhelmed, I clear my head with a walk outside, surrounded by the beauty of nature. When I need perspective, I’ll find a clearing in the woods where I can see a little further across the forest floor than when I’m surrounded by a thicket of trees.
Clearing means to make room — we need some elbow room to move around. The simplicity of an uncluttered surface opens the way to mental space because it’s less visually noisy.
All the things that are sitting in my space talk to me. You know what I mean. They say things like…
- Bills: “You need to pay me.”
- Pens: “You need to pick me up and write with me!”
- Computer: “You need to use me…for just about every single thing you can think of–and don’t even get me started on all the things you haven’t taken the time to learn about me!”
But a clean space? It’s like that brand new notebook you brought with you on that first day of school. The one that said only one thing: “Everything is ready, and anything is possible.” Well, that sentence is coming at you again, this time via whatever surfaces you want. So clear the way because once again, everything is ready, and anything is possible.
With appreciation,
Lisa
Lisa, I am over the moon that you are doing this. Thank you!!!
You have so much to share. It’s not just a pretty house, it’s supposed to be the place where you feel embraced.
Xxxooo
Kathy Stafford
Kathy, I am so honored you took the time to read and comment. Thank you! And yes, it should be a place where you feel embraced! ❤️
More and more Designers are “getting it.” It’s not about incorporating and following Interior Design trends that retail wants us to have in our homes it’s about Design that feels right for us – and it’s a huge difference. Love your blog.
Hello Donna! Thank you for your comments — I agree wholeheartedly. It’s time for a more congruent approach to design and I love to know we are on the same page. Hope to see you soon — maybe High Point in April? xo
Your piece reminded me why I fell in love with this field of design. Living and working in Hollywood can be a challenge to one’s authenticity. Sometimes making the deadline becomes the goal rather than the original vision. Thank you for helping me return to …me.
Kenkoi, what a wonderful compliment. Thank you. Working in Naples can also be a challenge to one’s authenticity — I understand exactly what you mean. My very best to you. xo
Clearing space to make everything possible. I love this. It points to the dynamic tension the exists within emptiness, because possibility is creation.
Gorgeous to hear your thoughts.
xo
Thank you Maia. EXACTLY! <3