"Holding space is an act of love. Holding
space is a beauty path, a golden road, a Tao."
Erica Ross
A
light house beacon burns brightly in the distance. Its rhythmic blinking gives
direction and comfort to the boats in the harbor, as well as to the loved ones
on shore waiting for their sailors to be guided home safely. Holding space is
like the brightly burning beacon. It is a light and comfort that is held for
someone in need.
Holding space is the process of
sending love, light, support and healing energy. To hold space, you visualize the
recipient in their best possible self at all times. We all know the
satisfaction of making a casserole for a friend who’s dealing with a crisis in
their family or picking up a gallon of milk at the grocery store to give to
your next door neighbor who has a cold and can’t make it to the store. The
“doing” makes us feel better and gives something tangible for the recipient to
hold onto. Holding space works on the same premise but on a much deeper level. It moves you from giving the much needed casserole or gallon of milk,
into giving love and light, sending peace and calm, pure acceptance and
offering no judgment. By
holding space for someone, you can affect the well-being of a person right next
to you or thousands of miles away. The energy you send to them will be felt
continuously on a spiritual level.
You don’t only have to
focus your energies of holding space towards another person; you can, and
should, hold space for yourself. Holding space for yourself is the ultimate act
of self love and acceptance. By giving yourself this grand personal gesture,
you maintain a presence of comfort, forgiveness, acceptance and healing that
will allow you to soar with limitless possibilities. It becomes the gallon of
milk that is perpetually full or the casserole that is never ending.
In times when you think you
can’t do enough to help someone (or yourself) through a difficult time, hold
space. Become that beacon of light, of direction, of comfort for yourself or
someone else. The energy that you put forth in love, understanding and comfort
will be felt at the highest level by the person you are holding space for and
they will be carried into the harbor safely.
Here is an article from Mind Body Green with Frequently asked questions about Holding Space.
