Holding space doesn’t mean offering advice

It doesn’t mean fixing or placing a Band-Aid over the wound

It doesn’t mean finding solutions for the persons pain to shield yourself from their emotions

It doesn’t mean denying their feelings, focusing on only positive speak, or telling them to just keep pushing through

Holding space means opening your heart and allowing it to listen

It means being emotionally available for another human being without letting your emotions become the focus

it means comforting without suffocating, and understanding without repairing

Holding space takes emotional maturity and an awareness of yourself and your reactions

It takes a deep love and sense of empathy for the other person

It requires you to set aside your own opinions, beliefs, and emotions to make room for another’s

Holding space can be the best gift you could ever give someone you love, and all it takes is an open heart and a listening ear