Life requires "blank space"—a piece of pure land that is nonetheless full of interest. This void is not merely emptiness; rather, like literature, it achieves a state where "not a single word is written, yet the meaning is infinite."
Chinese painting makes extensive use of "liubai" (leaving blank space), a concept known as "treating white as black" or "creating something from nothing." In simple terms, it is the artistic decision to leave certain areas of a canvas empty. The most captivating and thought-provoking parts of a painting, where the artist's brushwork truly comes alive, often stem from these blank spaces. As the saying goes, "what is intended is precisely what is absent"; "liubai" is the manifestation of "nothingness." This aligns with the philosophical idea that "the greatness of the Tao lies in nothingness, for it is so vast that nothing can be contained within it."
Just as there is no pure gold, there is no perfect human being. In our lives, work, and studies, if we leave a little space for ourselves and others, we will find that life becomes much more flavorful and colorful. By embracing imperfections, we can contemplate the truths of life and understand its deeper meaning.
The statue of Venus, a masterpiece of art, represents the beauty of imperfection, appearing both charming and pure. In real life, we often pursue an extreme level of perfection, imposing harsh standards on ourselves that lead to distress and exhaustion. However, all perfection is relative; absolute perfection does not truly exist in this world!
Leave some space for your soul to breathe, allowing yourself to escape from various troubles and pressures. Do not let anger or anxiety erode your spirit. Allowing yourself to sit in stillness, thinking of nothing at all, might be the best way to rest.
Do not be too hard on yourself; No one is perfect. Our flaws may be an essential part of who we are, so there is no need to dwell in misery. A person who is "too perfect" might actually be difficult for others to approach. Instead, laugh heartily and live life with grace and freedom.
We should not be too absolute in anything. Leave some room for yourself so that you can navigate the complexities of social life with ease. Being too rigid only harms oneself, making it difficult to retreat when necessary.
Also, leave some space for others. In social interactions, if we reveal everything without reservation, it often ends up hurting both ourselves and others. Maintaining a certain level of "blank space" is the wisest choice. While one should never harbor malice, it is wise to maintain a sense of caution—learning to leave space is a way to protect oneself.
Respect the individuality and dignity of others. Do not impose your values upon them. By appreciating both the strengths and weaknesses of others, you can create a harmonious interpersonal environment and interact pleasantly with others.
Life is composed of sweetness, sourness, bitterness, and spiciness; it cannot always be smooth sailing. Do not force things. Leave some space for yourself, for "plainness is truth." In simplicity, one can realize the essence of life: "Unperturbed by honor or disgrace, watch the flowers bloom and fall in the courtyard; unattached to staying or leaving, watch the clouds roll and unroll in the sky."
Leave some blank space in your life; it is quite lovely. It is like the rests in a stirring piece of music, like the blank pages interspersed in a manuscript, like the green spaces amidst modern skyscrapers, or like a small pavilion offering shelter amidst a sudden downpour...
This blank space is not a void, nor is it pallid. It nourishes movement with stillness and supports existence with nothingness. It recharges the spirit and bolsters one's inner strength. It is a "short circuit" intentionally created by the wise, which paradoxically helps them navigate their journey more effectively.
Humans should know when to hibernate like bears, when to freeze like lake water, and when to stand bare like mountains. Life holds infinite mysteries; at times, rushing incessantly may be foolish, while knowing when to pause and take breaks is true wisdom.
Leaving space is a truth of life and a wisdom of living. Let us contemplate the world, finding growth in the gaps, obtaining what is needed through loss, finding fulfillment in regret, and discovering joy amidst tears. Let us bid farewell to loss with a calm heart and meet the "blank spaces" with a smile.
Leave some space, so that life does not lose its essence; leave some space, so that life may bloom with color.
