I’ve done this a million times. Often the floor has been the most comfortable place for me to sit. Chairs might seem to be the best option. But not so much.
So many times I’ve been at a conference or presentation where there are rows of chairs. You know, the kind of banquet hall, church, school, office chairs that get put out for events. I don’t care for them. Okay, really I can’t stand them (so very picky). Not comfortable for any real period of time, They keep you cramped in a row of other chairs with no movement or adjustment really possible. You try to move and you bump or kick the person in front, beside or behind you (okay kicking behind me is an impossibility but I figure you’re likely more flexible than me).
So, I’ll take a seat on the floor out of the way against a side wall. I put my notebook at my side, my water bottle or cup of tea. I have place where I can organize myself and my stuff. I’m good, it’s all good.
I’m out of the way of people walking. I don’t make or leave a mess. I don’t mess up other people’s space. I’m merely making myself the most ready to get the most out of the meeting/presentation.
People, like an organizer or host who probably mean well, come along sometimes and say, “oh, there’s a chair over here!” They mean to be helpful. But even though there might be a dozen chairs over there I don’t want to sit in one of them. Most people understand and just leave me be. I like those people.
Maybe it’s because I fidget too much. I do. Maybe it’s that I don’t like people sitting behind me or too close (rows often put you right up next to others) or maybe it’s just that the chairs don’t provide enough support. Some of the chairs seem designed to actively hurt you or tire you out. And your body starts to ache during the meeting.
Sometimes I wonder if those chairs are designed to be uncomfortable so you can’t doze off during the meetings? But if I’m tired, I can still doze off in the uncomfortable chairs. (I’m very good at dozing, dozer professional class)
I think the whole thing is about more than comfort. I think it’s about making my space functional for me. So, I sit on the floor. I have my space, my stuff(on the level with me) and I can hear and see.
I think there’s a lot to be said for having a functional space. Think about it at home. A well set up kitchen makes cooking fun or pleasant or at least not a total chore. Good counter space is a huge attraction in a kitchen. Or for your office, a desk arranged the way you like with the resources you use at hand is better than a generic space set up for someone else’s preferences.
Do you have a comfortable space to read? Good chair, light, side table, footstool? Oh yeeeeeeeaah, a footstool, nice.
How about where you work? Do you have a space for your laptop/desktop/tablet as well as paper, pens, good lighting, coaster for your beverage of choice, phone? Is there decor, art or tchotchkes (small items that are decorative) that inspire you?
How about a dreaming space?
A dreaming space could be so many things depending on you. On my desk, I leave a space for paper and pencils/markers/pens so I can jot notes as I think of them or to write/draw/doodle ideas. I also have an easel with paper nearby (don’t be jealous).
Or it can be a spot on your back deck or front porch. Or even a nook (love that word) in the attic, basement, stairwell or bedroom where you can read, write, draw, create, dream. Ah, inspires me just thinking of it.
Sunshine helps, a waterfall is nice (although tougher to find indoors), music works for some, quiet for others. It’s up to you, it’s your dreaming space!
And in case you haven’t already thought of it, dreaming space includes and inspires prayer, journalling, silence, listening to God, singing praise to God. Our dreams are influenced by our God time and our relationship with Jesus. The Holy Spirit uses our dreaming time. So run with that!
Another thing to keep in mind is the space in your schedule. I could talk about this for days. Our days are too busy and so many things crowd their way in. Fight for your dreaming space. Schedule it in and keep the appointment.
So, whether you’re in a public venue working with uncomfortable rows of chairs or at home or in your workplace office, make your space work for you.
Work, dream, create, be your own unique God-given hard-working, imaginative, productive, fun self.
