The Space between the Notes
A few years ago, I listened to a lecture entitled the Space between the Notes. It struck a chord with me (pun intended!), as I thought through the implications of this simple phrase.
The quote, “Music is the space between the notes” is attributed to the French composer Claude Debussy.
Think how music would sound so differently if not played with attention to half, quarter or whole notes, staccatos, and of course, rests - that magic space that delivers the beat and elevates the flow.
A composition would dissolve into cacophony if those “spaces” weren’t observed … and obviously sound entirely different from how it was intended.
This concept of space resonates far beyond music.
Athletes find space on the field to advance the game.
Comedians master the pause to deliver punchlines.
Negotiators use silence as a powerful tool.
Artists leverage negative space to amplify their work.
Space obviously has a lot of positive attributes.
So how can we proactively apply space to our own lives?
Life transitions often create natural space—graduation, job changes, becoming an empty nester, or retiring. These moments allow us to reassess and perhaps move forward differently.
But maybe more importantly, we can also carve out space in our everyday routines.
Space lets us step back, think critically, and make better choices—whether it’s about what we eat or how we react. It fosters creativity and problem-solving. Ever had a breakthrough idea on a walk? That’s space at work.
It’s easy to think of space as indulgent or even impossible amidst busy schedules, but the alternative—a day without space—is exhausting. Without those pauses, life can feel chaotic, reactive, and overwhelming.
Giving ourselves space can wake us up to reassess our routines, expand our thinking, and allow us to provide a little more introspection in our lives.
Space can be a daily tool to provide time for mindfulness and reflection, to carry us from a reactionary place to a thoughtful space. A space that gives us time to think things through, and proceed, mindfully.
This applies to what we decide to eat, or how we react to a situation. If we take the time to think before we take action, most of the time we’re probably going to make a better decision.
Giving space can open the mind and tap into our right brain’s creativity. Having a hard time tackling a particular problem? Just go for a walk - even a quick one. A few interesting ideas might pop into your head.
Of course space can also be created through a daily meditation practice, or even a series of deep breathing exercises. You’ll notice this commitment to space can not only lower your stress levels, but also provide focus in your day.
Introduce space to your meals … eating slowly, having conversation. This simple act will lower cortisol and improve digestion.
As you can see … so many benefits!
But, as a person who feels a need to be constantly on the go, allowing for space can sometimes go against my grain.
Sometimes giving ourselves space can seem like a waste of time, or lack of effort, or maybe an indulgence that we don't have the time for. And if you work and have children, finding time for space can seem near impossible to contemplate.
But think of a day without space, and you get a day that is hectic. Reactive vs thoughtful. And, of course, exhausting.
So creating space routinely, and creating moments of peace and quiet to let our mind wander and relax, leads to more clarity. More brilliance. More opportunities identified.
So think how you can add space to your day. Create a cozy escape in your home where you can go read for a few minutes or journal, just sit quietly or meditate.
And then be the composer of your own sheet of music. To execute that music successfully, it needs all the components. The high notes, the fast notes, the low notes and the slow notes. The spirited staccoto notes, the loud notes, the soft notes. Sounds like a full, busy life.
But don't forget to always insert the space between the notes. Because that's where the music happens.