An Invitation to a Contemplative Approach to Your Internal Spaces

by Kate Hughes

Walls, doors, and windows are functional boundaries that are part of most rooms. These three structures help create starts and stops, beginnings and endings, comings and goings in the spaces we dwell.

Psychologically, emotionally, and spiritually, we are all similar.

Internally, our walls, windows, and doors are the very things that allow us to listen, know, and share our selves by both granting access to the outside world and a way to close ourselves in for rest.

When we do not take ownership of our space by using these devices well, we lose ourselves. We need to be able to thoughtfully open our window, invite someone in through the door, or use all four walls to be alone in our space for a time.

Walls are meant to create structure, lend protection, and offer privacy. They separate and define one space from another. There are always good reasons for walls. I encourage you to be curious about yours and other’s walls.

How do you interact with walls? 

Do you force yourself in, runaway, or shame another for even having them?

Windows are meant to keep out toxicity and let in glory; allowing in sunshine, while keeping out hellish creatures like mosquitos and spiders. Windows create an option for an avenue of desire or a way to watch from a distance when we don’t have the strength to jump into the wildness of our hearts.

Are you operating only from an outside perspective, watching other people’s lives and not living your own? 

Maybe you are weary and need to sit back and look out the window for a while?

Doors are made for hellos and goodbyes, beginnings and endings, locks and knocks. Doors are the places where we have both been wounded and wounded others the most. Paradoxically, doors are also the sites of healing. Doors hold the key to the beginning of our lives, as they are where we become active participants in the world around us.

Where in your life are you unwilling to say goodbye to a toxic relationship?

Do you struggle with finding the courage to invite someone inside? 

This blog intentionally has more questions than statements in it. At Sage Hill we believe that “living the questions well” opens the door to the life you were made for. Your questions are welcome here. Although the answers aren’t always found inside these walls, the beautiful gift is that you will no longer have to be alone in the questions. Connect with a Sage Hill counselor to set up an appointment today.

 

Kate Hughes is a therapist at Sage Hill Counseling in Nashville, TN. She was led to Sage Hill through her own personal story of recovery and interned for a year and a half while earning her Masters in Counseling at Trevecca Nazarene University.