Life Applications
Lesson Overview
We live surrounded by spaces that we rarely notice, preoccupied as we are by the objects and activities that fill them. But spaces are not just voids; they frame our lives, shaping our sense of belonging and tranquility. Adaptive mindfulness helps us break free from object-centered awareness and invites us to engage with the silence, stillness, and expansiveness of space itself. This shift in perspective reveals a deeper connection between our surroundings and our inner states, offering a profound sense of harmony and grounding in an ever-busy world.
Guided Meditation
You start by tuning into the space around you, letting your vision take in the surroundings. Gradually, you shift your focus inward, noticing the silence and stillness that frame the objects and movements in your environment. As you breathe, you explore the idea of merging with the space, becoming one with the air and atmosphere that surround you. This practice invites a shift in perspective, helping you feel a profound connection to the world around you while cultivating a sense of inner peace and unity.
Mindfulness Exercises
After you finish the guided meditation, try an exercise below that you believe will be most helpful for you!
AI Mindfulness Coach
Ask our AI Mindfulness Coach (link here) to explain why it might be beneficial to shift our awareness from objects to focus on the space that surrounds these objects, with an emphasis on the relative silence and stillness of the space that surrounds us. You can also ask about the implications of practicing shifts in awareness wherein you are not necessarily the center reference point of your attention. (These were the two shifts we explored in this lesson’s meditation)
Journal Reflections
How did it feel to shift your awareness from objects to the space between them?
How does imagining yourself as part of the space around you influence your perspective on your environment?
How could you incorporate more awareness of silence and stillness in your daily life?
Mindful Moments
While walking, focus on the space your body moves through rather than the steps you take.
Pause and notice the silence between the sounds around you.
Take a short break with a few breaths. With each breath, imagine merging with the air and space around you.
Lesson 8 Feedback
Please share your feedback on Lesson 8 using the form below. Thank you!