The Forms of Space

 Over the years, as I have created, held, used, witnessed, and removed myself from a wide variety of situations, it is apparent that there is a difference between the spaces people create within Space - and it's important for me to try to define those spaces and how people move within them, for my own clarity. (I share these writings in case someone else cares about this type of stuff.) The energetic signatures/responses of individuals and people in groups become clear when we are immersed in different spaces. My expression or reason of being within the spaces I create or find myself in adjusts toward responsibility - the ability to respond according to the circumstance generated or presented. Once you discern how differently people view the world, each other, nature, the land, personal and public environments, and our conscious/unconscious roles, life is much easier to navigate. This is what I've deciphered so far in regards to the forms of space...

Empty Space: This is an undefined area of existence - It is space yet to be interpreted by an awareness of it. Nothing in this world is empty, though it may be construed as such by those who do not see Nature as an inherently intelligent design. The world (earth, water, air, fire) may exist without our presence, so that is the Space in which all other spaces are formed. When a mind cannot understand patterns, and the infinitely mysterious nature of Nature itself, all areas within its extant expanse can be seen as 'empty' until described, used, filled, or exploited by people. 

Creating Space: This is the womb and delivery of a thoughtful foundation; a container is generated and shaped into a specified framework. It is well-delineated and allows for other things to be created inside of it. An idea evolves and we choose to make a space within Space for some purpose(s) - In this space, more ideas and materials manifest to establish itself through concentrated effort by one or more people: a country, a city, a park, a home, a gallery, a business...

Growing Space: This is a becoming, a cohesive vision towards how a space may be utilized and developed. E.g.; within a city, an elected group decides how it will develop and continue to sustain or increase its population and efficiency. In a family home, parents adjust what's required as children enter the picture. In a park, stewards decide what elements are needed and how to allow Nature to freely express or be managed... When growing a space, the intention needs to be plain, obvious - Without clear boundaries, the space can take on a whole new unexpected ambiance, depending on the people within it and how that space is held, it may change in a better direction or become disordered.

Holding Space: This is the visionary role/rule within the containment, never actually seen but should be felt by all entering and using the space. It is an intangible power that is shared through common decency and natural law first, then further circumscribed depending on the space's original purpose - In spaces that are not intensely held by those whose function it is to maintain it, you can witness chaos and destruction by others who do not understand the importance of holding space. This is where boundaries are easily distinguished when held firm, or enforced as people try to push them.

Using Space: This is the variety of methods/ideas that further create space(s) within the larger container, where structures are built and supported, care is required, and those within the space are respected. These smaller atmospheres express themselves by virtue of how the space is held. For instance; in a gallery or concert venue, performing artists are given a defined area to show their work - and within that area, the artist defines how others experience it, that curated atmosphere could be used by visitors with a calm respect, or joyful rampage, depending on how space-holders enable its usage by respecting the space's original purpose of creation, the gallery itself.

Filling Space: This is the unconscious use of space that stems from personal emotions and ideas- ideas/emotions not observing the whole space or respecting how it is held. A space-filler does not know how the space was created or why holding it is important. The purpose of the space may be inadvertently left to interpretation by space-fillers; people who simply utilize the space for their own agendas or self-defined usage. Sometimes this unwitting use of space is harmless, and other times it unintentionally becomes exploitive. 

Exploiting Space: This is the deliberate misuse and abuse of space and/or people within it. It is either predatory (intentional) or produces drama/discomfort (perhaps unintentional). Space-holders are responsible for recognizing and removing exploiters and resolving drama. Space-users sometimes take on that responsibility if they have a keen sense of personal responsibility. Space-fillers are too self-important to see any potential harm, or they themselves create drama in an otherwise remediable situation. An exploited space creates residual energy that needs to be addressed in order to clear it; any remaining negativity taints the space's original aura/purpose and it can be felt by everyone in that space, whether individually recognized or not.

Clearing Space: This is the intentional act of regenerating a space, whether the space has completed its original purpose, or something negative has happened and the space needs to be restored. It could be as simple as a pure sound reverberating like a chime or singing bowl that cleanses lingering heaviness, by removing people and objects that no longer resonate, or by cleaning up and carefully tearing down leftover structures that no longer serve... 'The party's over, it's time to go.'

> This is as much as I'm able to articulate right now - I'll probably come back and elaborate as time and space go on :)