Space
World population in January 2021 stood at 7.8 billion, and is estimated to grow reaching 8.5 billion by 2030. That`s frankly a lot, if you ask me. Imagine dense cities like New York or Beijing, masses everywhere, and not only during rush hour. People pour into the streets, metros, train stations, stores, they`re everywhere like ants. Yet, if you look carefully, there is still space.
As humans we need our space, whether we are leading a hectic life or not, having fun with friends, or on our own. Sometimes we don`t even notice, but we allocate space for ourselves, it comes planned, or even by default, natural.
Children, even though they`re generally attached to parents during the day, have their playtime and other relaxing sessions, maybe even simple ones like sitting in the back of the car looking out of the window. I admit that this could be imposed space by grown-ups, just like jail, okay, apologies extreme comparison, but the latter is also another different form of space, we’ll come to it later. However, from a tender age we start to learn that there are breaks, intervals, spaces, which are needed for our body and mind. It is healthy to detach, even for a couple of minutes.
Teenagers, juggling between friends, school, study and hopefully being present at their homes (and by being present I mean actively interacting with parents, not locked in their rooms with smartphones in hand) also need and manage to create their space. One was already mentioned, in their rooms, classic. Also, they start hiding things from their parents, which is normal, we can recall our ternage years too. Well, that`s privacy, another form of space.
Space continues to be sought after during adulthood. If you are single, you work, have friends, maybe you have a home of your own, errands, you name it, you still seek your space. Couples, although they hopefully love and respect each other, but they still dedicate time on their own, either being relaxed in the bath or reading a good book, space is much needed, especially after a hard day`s work. Imagine with kids, I hear you say. Yes, children can be a handful, and apart from being our pride and joy, they can also be tiring. Once settled, parents would need their deserved space, find each other, even watching a movie on the couch. Space can come in different forms, either in good company thus sharing space, or on our own.
Space isn`t always positive though. Some seniors would love to reduce their amount of space, as they`re already lonely enough. When their children, relatives or friends visit, they are happy to lessen their space. At their age, without work, or kids to raise, space is abundant, almost surplus to requirement. Visit them regularly, don`t let them go and live with guilt, they won`t be back. You will surely find time for your space later.
Technology, among other things, brought more access to space. Now, we can find our space in the form of an electronic book, listening to music, quenching our curiosity on social media platforms, even writing on Medium (wink, wink), or simply window shopping, adding items to our cart for later.
Every privacy, personal break, interval, detachment from other humans is a space, it is our space, and we don`t like interruptions or invasion in our space. Usually, when kids barge in our room while we are say reading a good book, for whatever their reason, we are, at least initially annoyed, but it is normal.
Sometimes, depending on one`s life style and age, spaces are limited, thus precious, and we look forward to them, we need them. We can`t live continuously connected except when sleeping. Being physically present, even virtually online, will take its toll, and finally one would need his or her space.
Negative space, imposed space, like in jail, as aforementioned, can be frustrating, as you`re confined to a space that you don`t like, being the atmosphere, company or even the building in this case.
For the greater part of it, Covid brought negative space. Unwanted space. The world pandemic confined people to their homes, and changed the way we live and interact, apart from sickness and death. Homeworking, together with Zoom calls to name but one popular option, took away the offices, the work places, meeting with colleagues, having a chat during coffee breaks. Outside people avoid each other, with masks, hiding half of their faces, their expressions, their smiles, even voices are muffled. Social distancing is an imposed space, gone are the hugs between relatives and friends, or a quick kiss on the cheek.
Covid, however brought back families together too, they had to stay longer at home, and discovered talking with family again, caring, not staying out till dusk.
Maybe in some cases space is so much enjoyed, that we try to extend it. Covid reduced that space gap, and families, although it came as an imposed reduction of space at first, mingled more, so it wasn`t all doom and gloom, except for those who have issues back at home, then Covid unfortunately worsened their situation. In the latter case, family members needed more space, the usual escaping-from-reality and ultimately sad space.
Space then, can be rare, precious, sought after by humans, like simple breaks, privacy, intimate moments, but space can also be imposed and cruel like in jail, during a world pandemic, or losing a loved one…this one creating more than a space, an abyss.
Space indeed comes in many forms, it is around us, sometimes it is what we decide, and it comes when we plan for it, other times it is almost scary and unwanted, but imposed just the same.
Ideally, we learn to create our positive spaces, while respecting the space of others, but let`s avoid being too attached to our space that we end up living in a cocoon comfort zone.
Stay social, especially now that the post-pandemic world is trying to switch back to normality. Do not worry, you will still find your space.
