The Space Between Words

Exploring the depths of human interaction, listening, and finding comfort in the imperfect.

Photo by Casey Horner on Unsplash

Reflections #17

As I explore the depths of personal interaction, I know that conversations are sacred, an exchange of energies between individuals. The pauses, the hesitations, and the silences reveal more than words. In the pursuit of connection, we often fill this space with unnecessary noise. Instead of embracing the gentle pause, we feel compelled to speak, to fill the silence with words that may not need to be spoken. We mistake silence for awkwardness, and in doing so, we disconnect from the profound wisdom that resides in the silence. The space between words speaks to me of the unknown, to brave the vulnerability of connection, and to find comfort in the silence. This is a doorway to deeper understanding and empathy.

For a while now, I’ve been rebuilding my life after years of repairing broken pieces. The Japanese philosophy of Kintsugi resonates deeply – it celebrates the beauty and uniqueness of broken objects, emphasizing that brokenness is not loss. Certain events leave indelible scars, but overcoming them strengthens us. Rather than discarding broken parts, Kintsugi integrates them into the object’s history, embracing imperfection. I’m still finding my way through the wreckage, realizing that healing is an ongoing, compassionate process of self-love and care.

Life is a complex game, speaking its language of love, trust, rivalry, passion, joy, longing, success, loneliness, and disappointment. When I think I’ve overcome past struggles, the rebel within me resurfaces, reminding me that life’s challenges are ongoing.

Listening to the space between words often reveals subtle truth. Though well-intentioned, my efforts to help a family member ended in regret. Our conversation revisited old challenges, which were long resolved. Frustrated, I wondered why I even tried. We were choosing illusions to avoid saying that we were wrong. Yet, it’s in these moments of imperfection that we find authenticity. The past rushed back, reminding me that this conversation was not about old unresolved issues but connection. This is the beauty of listening to God, you trust that life’s deep mysteries will be revealed in time. When we surrender to the uncertainty of conversation, we open ourselves to the beauty of fragile, imperfect, and fleeting human interaction.

Relationships involve broken promises and apologies. We lose touch with ourselves to avoid loneliness, slowly disconnecting from our essence. No matter how dear, every connection has its life cycle: birth, growth, and eventual decay. Nothing lasts forever.

Setting boundaries has become essential to my well-being, a deliberate act of self-love. I protect my emotional energy, mental space, and time by establishing clear limits. It’s no longer about being available to everyone but being present to myself. Life’s fragility has shown me the value of embracing each moment. I tap into a deeper understanding by listening to the silence between words.

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Silence is not silent. Silence speaks. It speaks most eloquently. Silence is not still. Silence leads. It leads most perfectly. ~Sri Chinmoy

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May the flow be with you now and always!

Yoli