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I’m in search of a new “Third Space.” My old one closed down. It was where I could go and sip coffee, get some work done or just think. Since my third space closed it’s doors i’ve been a bit lost. I’ve tried a few others (like Panera and Starbucks) and, while they’re adequate, they just don’t feel right.
A third space is a wood shed.
The place where you go to practice and work on your riffs. A place where you can fail in private so you can succeed in public. Time in the woodshed is essential to composing a jazz-shaped faith. (I write about this more in my book)
There’s a beautiful, secluded Catholic church not far from my house that I’m dreaming about. They leave the door unlocked during the day, so I go there often to pray. Lately I’ve been wondering if they would allow me to hang out there more. There’s a bell tower and, while I’ve never been up there, I’m dreaming that it contains a small little closet space that is just big enough for a table, chair and lamp–it feels right. I called them yesterday and left a message. I’m praying that they can help me with my need for a Third Space.
Join the groove: Where’s your Third Space? What makes it feel right?
posted March 27, 2010 at 2:18 pm
I need a “Third Space” too, a wood shed for me to practice playing my instrument, my sax. Unfortunately I dwell in a 518sq.ft apartment and so, for obvious reasons, it’s inadequate to really get to know my axe- must less a quiet time for relection or devotion. With everything turned off, except the occasion digital contemporary christian music channel going softly on the t.v. spending time reading, reflecting, and praying is suffice (as I live by myself) but oh how nice it would be to have a wood shed to work on praise songs on my sax for the Lord in. I definately must network for a time/space for this necessary spiritual gifting practice…
posted March 29, 2010 at 11:49 am
William Faulkner was once talking with a friend who lamented that there was no great American novel, in his humble opinion. Faulkner was intrigued and announced he would write it. Over the next six weeks (!!!!) he wrote “As I lay Dying” while working as a night watchman with his typewriter perched atop an upside bucket.
I think you’re on to something Robert, there are people who wish for a third space, and those who create a third space. The space is out there, for all of us, therefore we should not be wishing for it but looking for it. Good luck, but you’ll be fine because as I read somewhere, he who knocks…
posted March 31, 2010 at 10:27 am
Lat: 38°44’2.00″N Long: 104°57’8.00″W It’s a place I call, “My Rock”.
There is a small reservoir outside of Colorado Springs, up in the mountains on the way to Cripple Creek. You can’t really see it from the road, so not many people know about it. You can only get to it by hiking in. Once you get to the lake, if you hike about 1/2 mile around the shore, there is a rock that I got to meditate and fish. It’s quiet and serene, and I have never been disappointed with the fishing. But only when I stand on this one particular rock. I often talk with God there, and sometimes I hear back from Him. No distractions, just me and His creation.
posted April 1, 2010 at 9:30 am
I like to visit botanical gardens. Although they’re man-made, I enjoy the splendor of God’s (organized) creation. If there’s a waterfall or fountain, the sound of the water can be very soothing.
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