When you hear the question, “Is your glass half full or half empty?” what comes to mind? Usually, this question is a litmus test of sorts to weed out the optimistic from the pessimistic among us. But as we all know, there are multiple perspectives to everything.

At the TCM World Foundation center, tea is available to anyone who would like it. Generally speaking, each cup of tea is poured only halfway. Some would view this as a way to save on tea or have less waste. However, there is great meaning in the empty spaces within that teacup. The tea is there for your comfort and relaxation. The empty space is intentional. It is left for you.

See, we all talk about the concept of letting go. When we let go, we empty the mind, body, and spirit of worries, fears and heaviness that weigh us down. But when we let go, we also make room for the new. We allow ourselves space to grow and to learn. We give ourselves the opportunity to be open to possibilities that may arise and allow ourselves the flexibility to grow into exactly who we were born to become.

The empty space in that teacup is your growing space, your learning space, your time for nourishment of mind, body, and spirit. And once you give yourself the time to sit down, relax and enjoy that half cup of tea, you’ll discover that you allowed yourself so much more—you now have room to spread your wings.

Can you find meaning in the empty spaces in your life? It is in searching through the darkness of these empty spaces that we discover the greatest meaning and the brightest light. Let your light shine from within.

“Become totally empty. Quiet the restlessness of the mind. Only then will you witness everything unfolding from emptiness.” -Laozi

Want to Learn More?