What Does It Mean to "Hold Space" For Others?

We, as humans, have the very natural tendency to want to fix things, control outcomes, analyze and offer advice or judgement. However, these responses rarely result in healing for those we seek to help.

As a reiki practitioner and a yoga teacher, I am often called to hold space for others. Here, I am protecting their ability to simply exist and to experience their reality as it is. I am actively creating a safe place for them to experience whatever arises in that moment. I acknowledge that their existence will change from moment to moment and allow them the space to stay comfortable and aware through those changes.

When you truly hold space for another person, you bring your full attention, your entire presence, to them. You allow yourself to genuinely be there with their pain, emotions and change. Without judgement, we open our hearts and offer unconditional support, empathy and compassion, walking beside them on their journey. We are creating a space for them to be vulnerable, to expand and to grow.