Level 6: The Gap

‘The gap’ refers to the fundamental spaciousness of your mind. Mental activity is more than a continuous flow of thoughts, it is infused with space. In between thoughts and emotions is a tiny gap. With our increasing awareness, we can choose to ‘mind the gap’ instead of paying attention to thoughts. To ‘mind the gap’ is to be engaged with presence.

The space between thoughts is called ‘the gap,’ or we might call it awareness itself. It is the spacious ground in which thoughts and emotions arise. Typically, we identify with our thoughts and emotions. In a profound meditative state, we begin to identify with the gap, or this space, instead of the contents of our mind, the thoughts and emotions.

We peer into the spacious world through the gap between our thoughts. By increasing awareness of this gap, it gradually expands. Our meditations become more spacious, and our lives do too. As our practice brings spaciousness to the forefront, we gain ever more confidence in our ability to abstain from slipping into unhelpful reactions and habits.

In meditation, we discover there is a spacious gap between thoughts and the reactive impressions that arise in the mind. To practice resting the mind in this gap is to practice being present. When present, we exercise our freedom of choice and confirm our commitment to living with awareness. Responding to mental events in this fresh and positive way makes our lives more calm and spacious.