The Space in Between

The Space in Between

The Space in Between is where the Magic lies. It’s the pause between words, the stillness before the next wave, and the focused gaze when a dragonfly looks you in the eye. Artists seek this place to create meaningful pieces.

Twice this week I’ve read stories speaking of ‘ma’. ‘Ma’ is a Japanese concept about the silence of knowing, the space connecting relationships, and the shadows contrasting the light. It’s the feeling of spaciousness when one is immersed in the silent depths of the Ocean. But to the Japanese, ‘ma’ is more. When one is aware intentionally of ‘ma’, they feel the essence of the energy existing there. They and their experience become one, losing themselves in their ocean, art, or vision.

To feel this immersive energy, one must walk away from worldly things. The world limits us, while the inner landscape is infinite. This spacious magical place doesn’t want timelines, deadlines, or schedules. I find that holds true for my art or writing. I can fill a deadline, but the writing is not quite fulfilled, and feels like there’s more to be said.

I also need time when I’ve learned a new art technique. I have to assimilate it somehow before I can create something I like. I mix the colors, make some samples, yet It takes some play, experiments, and curiosity about it to create something new and exciting. I can’t think this through. Only in the stillness of doing can I come close to immersing in the art.

Entering this magical pause brings needed balance and healing. Here we feel our power, allow ourselves to be regenerated, and touch on happiness. Our energy is restored in this timeless place as every cell is bathed in calming natural proteins. Flow lives in the creative state.

The Dragonfly Art Program, with each lesson spaced over a month, hopefully will honor still time. Ideas can then percolate, assimilate, and become a part of us. We must enter the stillness, the inner landscape of the imagination, to birth something amazing. Let your feelings be your guide and allow the artist within to play each day. Have you ever felt one with something so deeply, so connected, in your life? What do you think of the space in between?