The Power of Spaciousness and the Gift of Being Seen

In this episode of "The Anxious Achiever," Morra Aarons-Mele interviews researcher and author Megan Reitz about the concept of spaciousness and its importance in both personal and professional life. Reitz introduces the idea of two modes of attention: the "doing mode," focused on tasks and goals, and the "spacious mode," characterized by broader awareness, presence, and the ability to see possibilities and build relationships. They discuss how overemphasizing the doing mode can lead to being "busy fools" and how incorporating spaciousness can foster creativity, innovation, and genuine connections. Reitz provides practical advice for creating spaciousness, such as checking in with oneself before meetings, managing attention rather than just time, and cultivating meta-awareness to respond thoughtfully rather than reactively to situations. They also touch on the challenges of creating space when anxiety arises and the importance of clear expectations and supportive relationships in fostering a spacious environment.