Spaciousness | Living Compass Spirituality and Wellness Podcast
Episode summary
When a friend called in the middle of a busy day, Scott’s first instinct was regret at picking up. Then he stopped, took a breath, and made space. In this episode, Scott explores spaciousness — the inner, emotional, and spiritual room we need to create within ourselves so that we can offer it to others. In a world of busyness, screens, clutter, and worry, making space is countercultural. And the paradox is that we need it most precisely when it feels hardest to find.
In this episode
The phone call that became an invitation to reset and make space
The overstuffed glove compartment as a metaphor for how unspacious our lives can become
Psalm 18:19: “He brought me forth into a spacious place”
Revisiting “Be still and know” from last episode — and the freedom to say no
The monk who meditates for two hours on her busiest days
Jesus withdrawing to a deserted place when the crowds pressed in, and the gift of Sabbath
Autumn leaves letting go: how making space sometimes means releasing something
Making space for grief, illness, and recovery
“Love your neighbor as yourself,” reframed: make space for yourself so you can make space for others
Holding space as the common thread of ministry and therapy — being a midwife to what wants to emerge
Viktor Frankl: between stimulus and response there is a space, and in that space lies our freedom
Reflection questions
Where in your life are you being invited to make space right now?
What is one way you might be more intentional about making space in the next couple of days?
How does the space you make (or don’t make) for yourself shape how present you can be for others?
Resources
Living Compass app: free on iPhone and Android, or at app.livingcompass.org
Website: livingcompass.org
Our Living Compass app is a free mobile app in.phone's app store—search for Living Compass, or find the same content that is in the app online at https://app.livingcompass.org. Reach out if you want more guidance at scott@livingcompass.org.
Connect with Scott
Questions or reflections? Scott welcomes your emails at scott@livingcompass.org
Connect with Scott about this episode or your own journey with integrating spirituality and well-being at scott@livingcompass.org
The Living Compass mobile app with Guided Meditations, Courses, Self-Guided Retreats, and Contemplative Practices is available through any mobile app store (Apple or Google) or online at our web app--here are the links for each.
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/living-compass/id6738334257
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.livingcompass&hl=en
Living Compass is a nonprofit spirituality and wellness initiative helping tens of thousands of people walk toward greater wholeness through the integration of faith and well-being.
(Click the player at the top of the page to listen to this podcast episode.) You can also find this podcast in your favorite podcast app—Apple, Google, Spotify, etc. Search for Living Compass, and be sure to subscribe so you get new episodes automatically.