Open Space

An open space gives you all the freedom you need to get away from things. Things that bother you. Things that don’t make sense. Things that box you in.

At its very essence, it makes sense. Doesn’t matter what you do or how you do it.  An open space gives you all the freedom you need to get away from things. Things that bother you. Things that don’t make sense. Things that box you in.

And even as this space attempts to fill that void you thought was missing, the world steps in and gently surrounds you with love, compassion, and contentment. That unassuming glimpse of inner peace.

A jeepney stops beside you and inside, a pregnant doting wife helping her husband with the simple task of collecting passenger fares.

It’s that concealed smile on the face of two brick masons hauling heavy concrete blocks down a hefty flight of stairs.

A poor little girl knocking on car windows unexpectantly gets handed a crisp fifty peso bill from someone who does not care for Sampaguita but insists she keeps the money.

That old man taking his time to cross the street and you patiently waiting and wishing he makes it safely across.

It’s you surrounded by all this chaos but all you see is the beauty of it all-the steady dance among the silence, the joyful songs behind the screams, and the truth living surreptitiously alongside fear.

It’s the wind blowing in your face.

And just like that, a light switch is turned on from inside you.

It now appears that there is really nothing to be afraid of. It is all good. Because nothing is as it seems. You learn not to expect.

You can hope.

But not too much.

Because it’s just you and this open space.

It’s big, scary, and immense.

But you don’t care.

Because now you know- it’s how you see it from within…