Chapter 11 - Space

Thirty spokes join in one hub
In its emptiness, there is the function of a vehicle
Mix clay to create a container
In its emptiness, there is the function of a container
Cut open doors and windows to create a room
In its emptiness, there is the function of a room

Therefore, that which exists is used to create benefit
That which is empty is used to create functionality

What does this mean?

 Space is valuable.  If I offered you a space in a New York penthouse apartment, it would still be nothing.  That same "nothing" exists everywhere, irregardless of where it is, and provides the same usefulness.

As you fill your space, whether it be a box, a drawer or a house, you lose more of it's usefulness.  Something completely full is extremely limited in its usefulness.  A full toybox is only good for pulling out toys.  Once a photo album is filled with pictures, it's only good for those specific pictures.  What use is a house that you can barely walk into?

This doesn't just apply to physical things, but also to your mind and how you feel.  The space in your mind is more valuable than any penthouse or mansion.

Your comfort zone is the full part of your mind, and leaving it is symbolizes empty space.

Do not get filled in by thinking you know with great certainty.  At its logical conclusion, once you think you know it all, that makes all others who present new information seem wrong.  Knowing everything makes it that much harder to learn new ways.  The more you fill your mind, the more uncomfortable and even painful it is to empty it.

Imagine your mind as a vegetable.  Do not be an onion with many thick layers that has to be peeled to be of any use.  Try to be a green pepper, with space for the seeds that are ready to grow.

How do I use this?

Make space everywhere.  Go through each thing in your life and ask, "Does having this make my life better on a regular basis?"  If it doesn't, get rid of it responsibly.  No littering!

If you are keeping it because it hurts to throw it away, think about it.  It is OK to feel bad about it but the idea of losing things is ingrained in our culture as painful when it should not.  If it causes you stress and anxiety to even think about losing something, it really needs to be worth it.  Otherwise, that looming potential stress is over your head all the time.

Keeping your best photo of a beloved grandmother is worth it.  Keeping fifty pounds of plastic collectibles because they might be worth something in storage is not.

Here is a short list why you should do this.

* More space lets you have the room for new things mentally, emotionally and physically.
* Less things means that you can organize your space easily.
* Having only the things that are important let you better focus on those things.
* Experiencing how much less you actually need improves self-discipline and mindfulness.
* Finding someone that needs your things gives you a chance to feel kind and generous.
* Helping rid your life of excess helps you clear your brain of desires.
* Being responsible for too many things is a mental burden.  Having less things alleviates the burden.

Think broadly about all the areas you live where you can find more space:

* Your closets, garages, toyboxes and junk drawers full of unorganized stuff you never use.
* Your file cabinets full of papers and mail you no longer need.
* Your countertops and tables full of things that are not in their proper places.
* Your pantries and fridges full of junk food you shouldn't eat.
* Your daily calendar full of comforts you do out of habit.
* Your bias towards things different than what you are used to.
* Your judgements and values that make others wrong.
* Your knowledge that the world works a specific way.

I'm sure there's more examples, but having a list with plenty of space lets you fill in the blanks.