When I was in yoga teacher training, a teacher loved to use the phrase “make space.”

In yoga, you don’t simply “do” a pose. You get into a pose. The beginning of a pose is about creating the condition for it to be possible, mostly by making space (or giving room) for it. For example, you don’t just “twist” your body to one side; you extend your spine with an inhale to make space, and with an exhale, you gently twist. By making space, you ensure your posture is done correctly and without injury. It proves that getting into the pose isn’t the purpose; it’s the process of getting there and the experience while doing so.

Making space for something you are about to create is essential to your creative work, too. We ready ourselves to receive inspiration by giving ourselves permission to be receptive and bold, sensitive and firm. That’s the process of making space for your work to come to realization.