30 | Welcoming The Space Between Us

“If we are going to understand and appreciate each other’s differences, then we need to be able to trust the space between us.” Charlie Jones & Brigid Russell (From Trust in the Spaces Between Us) Connection isn’t always about closing the gap between us. Sometimes it’s simply about recognising the space that exists. Allowing it. Trusting it. Letting go of our need to possess and control it. Just like silence can leave us feeling awkward, the idea of space can make us uncomfortable at times. It’s tempting to see it as something to fill. We might try dominating it by forcing agreement or demanding sameness at the level of difference. But what if those uncertain, mysterious, incomplete spaces are what allows life to unfold in its weird and wonderful ways? In this episode of The Gentle Rebel Podcast, I chat with Brigid Russell, who founded #SpacesForListening with Charlie Jones. Brigid invited me to Spaces For Listening last month. It was a quite beautiful experience that allowed some slow-burning inner shifts to take occur. It opened the door for lingering inspiration from its simple structure and the willingness of participants to embrace its flow. The session provided an opportunity to enjoy some protected space to think out loud. To connect, untangle, and feel the spark of inspiration as we bounced into and around each other without interruption, hierarchy, or introductions. It felt like everyone was equal. There is something lovely about sharing space without knowing anything about the background, role, or status of other people. Brigid’s insightful probing twee