Lessons from the nest part 2: make some space for yourself
In my last blog, I wrote about the lessons we can all learn from nature, and why “good enough” is often all we need to create the changes that we want to see in our lives.
I used the example of the swans’ nest close to my office in the Water of Leith, which is currently home to eight beautiful cygnets (who, by the way, are now a few weeks old and already expert swimmers!). The adult swans created the change that they needed - in this case, a safe and sturdy home for their growing family - from whatever they could find, which included bits of rubbish. In nature, just like in life, things don’t need to be polished and perfect every time: “good enough” is usually all we need in order to move forward.
But that family of swans has also reminded me of another important lesson: we all need to take time to create the space that we need for ourselves, wherever and whenever that may be, before we can make change happen.
Right now, I’m going through a great deal of change in my own life. So much so that at times, it feels a bit like I’m riding the rapids. It’s all well and good just trying to hang on tight and not get thrown overboard, but what I really need is to carve out some time and space for myself, because I know from my own lived experience - as well as many years working with clients - that giving ourselves space is one of the most important things we can do to increase our resilience to what’s happening around us.
Ask yourself today what space you need to carve out to help you get where you need to be? Whether it’s taking half an hour to go for a walk in nature, finding ten minutes to sit down and read, or just sitting quietly to enjoy a cup of coffee with no distractions. Even if you need to lock yourself in the bathroom with your earphones in so you can’t hear the noise around you, do whatever it takes to give yourself the space that you need.
I’ve decided that the best place for me to start is by moving my body, so I’m heading to the gym! I've got the gym gear, I've got a new heart rate monitor, and even though I’m not entirely sure what I'm going to do when I actually get inside, I’m going anyway. Because I know that giving myself the mental space to disconnect - just a little - from what’s going on around me, will actually make me stronger and more resilient.
The swan needed a nest, so she found a space and set about building a home. It might not have been the most scenic of spots, but those eggs weren’t going to wait.
Life rarely stands still and waits until we’re ready, so perhaps we can all learn from the swan and carve out the space that we need, to prepare ourselves for the change that’s coming. Whatever and whenever that might be…
