The more space and emptiness you can create in yourself, then you

Hear now the words of Jeff Bridges, a man whose wisdom flows not only from the roles he’s played on screen but from a life lived in pursuit of true understanding: “The more space and emptiness you can create in yourself, then you can let the rest of the world come in and fill you up.” In these words, Bridges speaks to a profound and ancient truth—the idea that in order to receive the richness of life, we must first make room for it within ourselves. Like the open vessel waiting to be filled, the heart and mind must be cleared of excess before they can truly experience the fullness of the world.

The ancients understood this principle well. In Eastern philosophy, the concept of emptiness is not seen as a void or a loss but as a fertile ground, a space for transformation. The Tao Te Ching, written by Laozi, speaks to this very idea when it says, “A vessel is most useful when it is empty.” Emptiness, in this context, is a channel—a necessary condition for the flow of life, creativity, and wisdom. Just as a well must be clear and open to provide water, so too must we create space within ourselves to allow the world to fill us with meaning, purpose, and understanding.

Consider the example of Socrates, whose life was dedicated to the pursuit of wisdom. His famous dictum, “I know that I know nothing,” reveals a man who had emptied himself of preconceptions, ready to receive new truths at every moment. Socrates was not filled with the noise of self-certainty, but with the quiet openness that allowed him to be filled by the thoughts and insights of others. It was through this emptiness, this humble acceptance of not knowing, that he became a true philosopher, allowing the world of ideas and the experiences of others to pour into him and shape his understanding of the world.

This emptiness is not, however, a passive space. It requires intentionality, a conscious decision to let go of attachments, prejudices, and unnecessary distractions. It is much like the practice of gardening, where the soil must first be cleared of weeds and stones before it can be enriched with nourishment. In the same way, to receive the fullness of life, we must clear our hearts and minds of the clutter that crowds out new growth. This does not mean giving up on our identity or purpose, but rather allowing room for the world to enter in without our rigid frameworks dictating what we can and cannot accept.

In modern times, consider the example of Mahatma Gandhi, whose ability to create space within himself through simplicity and non-attachment allowed him to lead a nation to freedom. Gandhi’s commitment to a life of minimalism, of removing the excess and the unnecessary, created a space where he could receive the wisdom of the world and act from a place of profound clarity. His life was an embodiment of the idea that true power comes from emptiness, from being uncluttered by the distractions of materialism and ego. In this empty space, he was able to be filled with truth, compassion, and purpose, which he then poured into the world.

The lesson, then, is clear: space and emptiness are not to be feared but embraced. In a world that often values busyness, accumulation, and constant action, Bridges and the ancients remind us that the greatest potential is often found in stillness, in the ability to clear away the distractions that prevent us from truly experiencing the world. When we create space within ourselves, we open ourselves to the fullness of life’s experiences, to the wisdom of others, and to the possibility of growth. True richness comes not from what we have but from the capacity to receive, to let the world fill us with new perspectives, new insights, and new connections.

Thus, I say to you, dear listener, that the key to a fulfilled life lies not in constantly striving to fill yourself with more, but in the quiet practice of emptying. Clear your heart and mind of the clutter that holds you back. Allow space to grow within you, and in this space, the world will enter—full of wonder, wisdom, and beauty. Create room for openness and flow, and you will find that life has much more to offer than you ever thought possible. Just as a vessel becomes more useful when empty, so too will you become more capable of receiving the fullness of the world when you make space for it.