CREATING SPACE TO RECEIVE YOUR TRUE YES
Article by Ana Poirier
Creating Space to Receive Your True Yes
The word Yes has a lot of power to it. It is a full-bodied commitment when said sincerely from the heart, with confidence and truth.
It moves you forward towards what you want (unless you are saying “yes” out of obligation, but that’s another subject entirely).
It opens you up to receiving, whereas “no” very clearly closes you or contracts you.
In order to say an empowered, authentic “Yes”, you need to first have the space for that yes. If there is no space, that “yes” has no potency. It’s an empty promise filled with obligation, should, guilt, hesitancy, uncertainty, etc.
It is not a powerful “yes” that attracts, aligns and uplifts.
How do you connect to your authentic Yes?
This is a question that comes up a lot as I’m working with clients. Here are the steps I’ve distilled from this work.
Release what doesn’t serve (also known as creating space). This involves saying no.
Feel this space or void, and acknowledge any fears or anxiety
Begin to ask yourself what you DO want to feel, experience or enjoy
If you’re at a crossroads and not sure which way to go, imagine going down each path. Take about 3-5 minutes to really feel into actually making this decision, taking this new direction or making the commitment. Notice how each one feels in your body. Is there one that feels more expansive vs. contractive? Is there a subtle difference in the freedom of your breath? Really allow your body sensations to inform you.
The decision or path that offers your body greater ease and sense of expansion is most likely your true YES ...even if there is a twinge of fear of the unknown.
**Important Note: This is not a mental or rational exploration! Resist the urge to “figure it out” or rationalize, but rather really get into the feeling. This is where your true knowing resides.
There is absolutely no rush to “fill the space”, so take your time. The fall season is all about creating spaciousness and letting go. Trees release their leaves, and it’s a perfect time to cleanse and detox (a great form of creating space that I highly recommend).
You are now fully open to your authentic YES!
Getting Real With Yourself
If you get real, what do you need to let go of or say no to?
A home that doesn’t feel aligned?
Physical possessions that don’t speak to who you are or provide you value?
Relationships that are dragging you down, keeping you small or not feeding your soul?
A career or job that’s keeping you stuck?
Foods or habits that you know don’t support your highest good?
Attachments, beliefs and thoughts that are not supporting your divine path?
The need to have it “your way” or feeling in control (an illusion anyway, right?!)?
This is a great time to dig deep, take a deep breath (or two!) and let go. Trusting that you’ve now open to what’s even better.
Although NOT easy at all … when I have personally practiced this in my own life, the immense gifts that these spaces opened up to receive and say a full-bodied, clear, enthusiastic “YES!” have always been beyond what I could have imagined.
In this fast-paced modern age of always doing more and having more, we can be VERY uncomfortable with empty space. You may find yourself avoiding creating space and saying “no” when you really want to, and filling up any empty spaces as quickly as you possibly can.
“Doing, doing, doing” can easily become an empty mantra.
We definitely need the “doing”, but the releasing and the being are just as vital… maybe even more important because it can be hard to say an authentic “Yes” if you’re overwhelmed and swimming in the vortex of “busy” and “stuff.”
Ways to create space with power and grace
Loving, clear “no’s” that come from your True Self
Releasing physical, emotional, mental, relationship “baggage”
The breath - focusing on the exhale
Detox/Cleansing
Crying and releasing emotions safely
Physical exercise, movement
Being in nature (esp. open spaces or high up places)
Sleeping & dreaming
Releasing attachments or the need to control
Slowing down … way down
Going on retreat
These are just a few top favorites for making space for those “yeses” to flow out with authentic power, allowing you to receive the bounty of your yes and your true desires. Choose 1 or 2 that resonate, and begin practicing with the intention of creating the space you need to receive what you want.
