On Taking Up Space: A Step-by-Step Guide
What does it mean to Take up Space?
Taking space means embracing and expressing our true selves - our intrinsic qualities, experiences, and emotions. It’s about showing up fully in the world, unapologetically embodying who we are. It means accommodating the significance of existing as you in the world.
When we allow ourselves to experience and express parts of ourselves that may have been neglected or hidden, we learn to accept them and share them with others.
There was a time when I believed taking up space came at a cost—spending too much money on myself, losing friendships, or disrupting relationships. I thought that more of me would mean less of others.
But as I got to know myself, this belief changed. I realized that expressing more of myself enables others to do the same. When I feel comfortable and free in my presence, it encourages others to express this freedom for themselves too.
Taking Up Space and Self-Transformation:
Taking up space is an act of self-acceptance. It’s about allowing the world to see our nuances and, in turn, aligning our lives with our true selves. By embodying who we are, we signal to the universe what we want, creating clarity in our direction and purpose.
The journey of taking up space is transformative. It involves navigating challenges and unlearning old patterns that no longer serve us.
When you're a willing participant, you learn to embrace the turbulence in the journey. Instead, you see this experience as a vessel for your growth. You become the person who has the wisdom to care for and maintain what you asked for.
While unlearning our behavioural patterns, we'll never know what resurfaces next. Self-awareness helps us observe how we interact with the world. It reveals whether our actions are projections or authentic expressions and allows us to intentionally align our attitudes, mindset, and behaviours with our aspirations.
When we make space for intentional change, we open ourselves to new systems that support our growth. These may manifest as fresh perspectives, improved communication, or even new relationships.
Ways to Take Up Space:
Taking up space looks different for everyone, but here are some ways to initiate this:
1 In Our Bodies:
Taking up space in our bodies is an energetic experience. Any body-based practices - including workouts, meditation, yoga, dancing, floor work, swimming, running, or walking allow us to take space in our bodies.
Feeling our feelings is also a body-based practice. It requires us to forsake our thoughts and experience our very real emotions, grounding us to the present moment.
2 Through Self-Expression:
Humans are inherently creative. Activities like writing, talking, painting, singing, or cooking are powerful outlets for self-expression. These sacred acts allow us to connect with ourselves, process our emotions, and share our inner worlds with others. This is a sacred experience.
3 Through Courage:
Courage is a pivotal step in taking up space. As one saying goes, 'Courage looks a lot like fear.' You don’t have to feel brave before taking brave actions. Being brave is a choice—a powerful threshold for change.
4 Imperfectly:
I have always loved the idea of imperfections. Imperfect gets your ideas out there. Putting yourself out there is more important than your fear of looking stupid. So even if you don't get it right, make sure your ideas are out there. You can perfect them along the way.
5 Curiosity:
Viewing our circumstances through the lens of curiosity, allows us to be receptive to what is being revealed to us. This curiosity allows us to decide our relationship with the circumstance. This process is gentle and respectful. There's more to what meets the eye. Curiosity enables you to care enough to see what's beneath the layers.
The Impact of Taking Up Space:
When you embrace more of yourself, you expand your capacity to share with the world—even through imperfections. You no longer wait for permission or validation to tread your unique path. Instead, you trust your instincts and let go of what holds you back.
Taking up space is a declaration of self-worth and a gift to those around you. By embodying your authenticity, you inspire others to do the same, fostering a world where everyone feels free to show up as their full selves.











