Holding Space

How many of you have heard of holding space? I hadn’t until I ran across this article a few weeks ago. Chances are you’ve held space for someone and had someone hold space for you.

Holding space means to be present. That’s it. It’s what Laura has done for me on so many occasions. My sobs, pleas for help and incoherent words weren’t just floating away into the ether. She was there to receive them even if there wasn’t anything either of us could do with them. She accepted them all. Sitting on the floor beside me or lying on the bed. She was there, doing nothing and doing everything at the same time.

This is something I need to work on. I like the term “holding space” because it sounds more tangible than “being there” for someone.

Holding space isn’t something you can only do for others. You can do it for yourself, too. By loving yourself and being there for yourself. As imperfect creatures and our harshest critics, it’s easy to be hard on ourselves. It’s difficult, but I’ve been trying not to judge myself so critically. Holding space for yourself means being mindful about what you need in your life and allowing yourself to have it.

This is what I’m working on. What are you working on?