Americans need head space. Not all, just most. And a great number of Americans do in fact, create head space for themselves. I would venture, however, that most do not. Oh! What is head space? Well, glad you asked.
There are many synonyms for head space, but, they all fall short of a prescription for everyone. Some synonyms include: serenity, quiet time, reflection, focus, and solitude.
Head space as I refer to it, is time and absence of distraction to pursue an enjoyable solitary mental state, ranging from reading a satisfying book to a full-blown Zen state of emptying the mind and allowing the thoughts, the environment, and emotions to pass through one's mind without grasping at them, manipulating them, or pushing them in any particular direction.
One of my favorite Head Spaces is sitting alone, quietly, out in my yard just after sunrise, before the clouds yield to the sun's heat, and letting the morning occur around me and through me. Bird and squirrel sounds, distant traffic, the cool morning breeze, the sway of trees and flowers, the contrails through the parting clouds, and more, I am aware of. But I am aware of the surroundings without inquiry, without judgment, without lingering attendance. It is immensely satisfying. My dogs often settle next to me on these mornings and share the head space with me and I with them.
Our lives in America are a mass of todo lists, too often cluttering our minds, confusing our choices and emotions, and draining our energy and motivation. These mental 'gotta-do' lists have a way of preventing us from truly relaxing and experiencing our awesome ability to bear witness to our universe in ways which, may be unique to our species in all the universe. It is an incredible gift, human life, and the ability to witness it as well as live it.
I was 15 in Detroit when I walked passed a disheveled elderly homeless man sitting on the sidewalk, his back resting against an office building wall. As I passed, he said to me, "Beautiful day, isn't it?" The way he asked that question begged no reply, no quarter or dollar, nothing at all. He seemed to say it as an exclamation whose time had come coincidentally as I happened to be walking by.
I don't remember if I responded to him or not. I do remember I kept walking. But, that memory of his words and demeanor is as vivid in my mind today after 40 years, as if it were yesterday. The man was obviously poor, probably an unemployed drunk who had not bathed or changed clothes in weeks. But, he was, at that moment, reveling in being alive and taking in the day as it went by him. He shared something with me that I carry with me even yet. And I recreate his moment as mine on a regular basis.
It's free. Only requires 15 to 30 minutes, and a space without intrusive demands upon one's body, behavior, or mind. For me, head space is literally a vacation. And as rewarding, even for just 30 minutes, as a week's stay in Yellowstone or Big Bend National Park.
I have known folks who derive the same benefit from working mathematical equations which were not apparent as solutions just moments before. Some have called these Eureka moments. I call them epiphanies. Others have said becoming deeply engrossed in a great science fiction novel like Frank Herbert's Dune represents some of the most enjoyable time they spend in their lives. It is that singular focus working an equation or reading a great book, that is akin to the Zen focus on nothing/everything, at all.
Life gives one warnings that one is in need of head space. Barking at a loved one and regretting it, flipping an angry finger at a driver going to slow, or coming home too tired to eat or sleep, are all warning signs that one needs some head space. Some time to refill oneself with an awareness of the joy of being alive, being human, being here and now. It is an awareness one can take back into life with loved ones, on the road with slower drivers, and to work to help keep oneself elevated and energetic.
No credit cards required. No draining the savings account needed. No other persons on the face of the earth wanted. Just a space where intrusions are not permitted or unlikely, and an open mind to being alive and life unfolding around one. Head space is like recharging the batteries of one's soul. America is a fast paced culture, a loud and often vulgar culture, and one in which intrusions are treated as a birthright. To counter the draining effects, we all need to find our own head space and vacate to it regularly to reaffirm that life is the greatest gift in the universe and we were chosen to receive it.
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