If you’ve ever cleared out a room, drawer, or even your digital apps and files—and immediately felt the urge to refill it—you’re not alone. That restless impulse is explained by the ancient concept that “nature abhors a vacuum”—the idea that empty spaces naturally get filled. Understanding this principle can help you make mindful choices about your time, space, and habits, so you fill emptiness intentionally rather than impulsively.
I first heard Aristotle’s quote “nature abhors a vacuum” from my friend and business connection, Melanie Starr. That quote truly resonated with the work I do, both for myself and in my business. Melanie is a coach who helps ambitious career women heal negative patterns, build resilience, and pursue purpose. She’s also a yoga teacher, Emotional Freedom Techniques and Reiki master, speaker, and writer.
That urge to fill space often comes from a desire for joy or comfort—and it can show up in healthy ways, like practicing patience, healing, acceptance, or meditation, or less healthy ways, like impulsive spending, overconsuming, or overscheduling. By learning to work with this natural tendency instead of against it, you can create a more intentional, organized, and balanced life.
Why Space Isn’t Truly Empty — Insights from Modern Physics
In reality, a perfect vacuum doesn’t exist. Even “empty” space is filled with quantum fields, energy fluctuations, and potential particles, meaning space itself is dynamic and active.
- In quantum field theory, the vacuum is the lowest-energy state, but it still contains temporary fluctuations where virtual particles pop in and out of existence.
- This vacuum energy may be related to what cosmologists call dark energy, the mysterious force driving the universe’s accelerating expansion.
Unlike the everyday idea of a void, space is energetic and structured, not barren.
How This Connects to Psychology and Science
- Internalization Theory: We absorb the language, behaviors, and patterns in our environment, which shape how we think and act. Positive surroundings foster positive self-talk.
- Cognitive Development Theory: Environments guide how we process information, solve problems, and form habits. Structured spaces encourage clarity; cluttered spaces can lead to scattered thinking.
- Neuroplasticity: Repeated experiences reinforce neural pathways. Filling your space, mind, or schedule with constructive habits strengthens these connections over time.
Applying the Concept to Everyday Life
Here’s how to use this principle intentionally:
1. Time
Fill your schedule with meaningful, productive activities to reduce distractions and unhealthy habits. Plan regular check-ins with health practitioners, coaches, or other healers, and make time for your personal “homework.” Remember: taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s giving; when you’re grounded you show up better for others.
Break your day into blocks for work, self-care, and downtime as needed. Focus on progress over perfection, and practice self-compassion. Building something meaningful takes time. Failure is part of the path to success, and challenges serve as reminders of the areas to work on.
Use a priority list to focus on high-value tasks first. If motivation feels low, try incorporating these five science-backed drivers: INCUP—Interest, Novelty, Creativity, Urgency, and Passion. Noticing patterns in your energy and motivation, so tracking which activities ignite your curiosity or joy can guide how you schedule your day.
2. Mindset
Nurture positive thoughts and affirmations to counter negative self-talk and limiting beliefs. Mindful practices like journaling, reading, listening to auto-hypnosis recordings, or healing sound frequencies can be very helpful. You can also use tools like a theme word, positive mantra, a vision board, or a “bingo card” of yearly goals—which must include fun and restorative activities.
Keep a gratitude or achievement journal to reinforce positive mental patterns. Naming three things you’re grateful for and proud of from the day, before bed helps your brain lock in positive memories and sets you up for a successful sleep and day ahead.
Limit exposure to draining influences, such as clickbait online. Anger and violence sell, so retrain your devices to prioritize positive and meaningful content. Surround yourself with people who share a growth mindset and focus on peace. Remember, what you expose yourself to shapes not only your conscious thoughts but also your subconscious patterns, which guide your reactions, emotions, and decision-making. Rewiring these patterns takes awareness and consistent practice.
3. Emotions
Cultivate love, compassion, and connection with yourself and others to prevent emotional clutter. Remember, acceptance of others does not equal approval—it simply allows you to let go of resistance, protect yourself, and maintain emotional balance.
Stay connected—reach out to social groups, colleagues, or friends. Even a call, text, or in-person meetup goes a long way. Building a supportive network with professionals, community, and healthy relationships are key, so prioritize these connections as part of your emotional well-being routine.
4. Physical Space
Be deliberate about what you bring into your home. Before acquiring anything, ask yourself: “Do I truly need this? Will it add value to my life? Does it align with my theme word, mantra, or vision board?” Focus on replacing, not accumulating—mindless accumulation can quickly fill cleared spaces, creating stress rather than comfort.
Treat your space as a reflection of your priorities and intentions. Whenever possible, invest in high-quality materials, ideally from local or sustainable companies, instead of one-time-use items or things that require frequent replacement.
Organize by categories and zones. Keep like items together—kitchen tools, office supplies, or personal items—and assign a permanent “home” for items in the space they are utilized. This makes it easier to find what you need and put things away consistently. Zones can also help guide habits, like having a dedicated reading nook or a work-focused desk area.
Use labels and visible reminders to conserve energy. Label storage containers, shelves, or drawers to make organization intuitive for everyone in your household. Visual cues not only maintain function but also reinforce the habit of returning items to their proper place.
Establish regular decluttering routines. Set aside weekly, monthly, or seasonal sessions to review your belongings. During these check-ins, evaluate each item: is it still useful, does it bring joy, or does it take up unnecessary space? Consistent decluttering prevents overwhelm and helps maintain a home that supports calm, clarity, and intentional living.
Treat organization as an ongoing practice rather than a one-time project. Over time, small daily habits like resetting a space after use has a huge impact on maintaining a peaceful, functional environment.
Final Thoughts
A useful reframe:
Don’t ask “What am I taking away?”
Ask “What am I putting in its place?”
Nature may abhor a vacuum—but you get to choose what fills the empty space. Whether it’s a drawer, a calendar, or your mindset, intentional choices shape your environment, habits, and inner voice. Most importantly they impact your nervous system and those around you. Understanding the science behind it allows you to harness this principle to create clarity, calm, and a life that supports your purpose.
If you’re interested in learning about Melanie’s virtual services and how she can support you in healing negative patterns, building resilience, and pursuing your purpose through EFT and other energy healing practices, reach out to melanie@melaniestarr.ca.
If you’d like assistance with onsite or virtual professional organizing services to declutter and organize your physical or digital space—whether in your home, office, or small business—please visit my services page to learn more and reach out via the contact us page.
Trained Professional Organizer & ADHD Specialist 