Living Stress Free through MA

'MA' (pronounced "maah") — is the pure and essential void between all "things." It is the interval which gives shape to the whole. 

It is the space between objects, the emptiness of possibility.

MA is a holder within which things can exist. It is the complete lack of clutter.

MA is in the purposeful pauses in speech which make words stand out. It is in the quiet time that makes our busy lives meaningful, and in the silence between the notes which make music.

MA is the space between each breath; the gap between each thought.

Isaac Stern described music as ‘that little bit between each note – silences which give the form’. 

When the Japanese are taught to bow in early age, they are told to make a deliberate pause at the end of the bow before they come back up — as to make sure there is enough MA in their bow for it to have meaning and look respectful.

A tea break in a busy day has to be in a quiet place, away from the routines of work — so that one can soak in the serenity of MA before getting back to busy life.

As a Living Stress Free® technique, no matter how little time we devote to any task, it must have a deliberate beginning and a deliberate end. Otherwise, our time goes by filled with one thing after another, an endless energy output that can leave us drained, tired and stressed.

Photography as an Art and a Spiritual Practice

I wanted to pay more attention to MA in my life on an everyday basis.

As a creative and spiritual practice for 2014, I am taking a photograph each day representing MA.

This ritual reinforces my awareness of perceiving MA throughout the day. By noticing the visual spaces it is easier to hear the silence between sound and the space between the breath. This quiets the mind and cultivates living stress free.

I invite you to join me in these simple, informal practices.

• Notice the space between form. 
• Listen to the silence in between sound.
• Feel the stillness at the end of each breath.

2014 MA Photography

 

January 1, 2014 - The Magical Fireplace

Sitting by the fire on New Year's Day was a sublime way of experiencing the birth of a new year. The space between the logs, the emptiness between the flames, a perfect reminder of the balance needed to embrace the new circumstances about to unfold.

January 2, 2014 - Driving Home

We had a significant snowstorm today bringing at least a foot of sparkling snow blanketing the earth. The spaces in this photo are not only between the trees but also within the distance between the water droplets on the car window.