A key phrase you may have been hearing lately is "holding space," but what does that really mean? The definition of holding space is to be present with someone, without judgment. It means you donate your ears and heart without wanting anything in return. It involves practicing empathy and compassion. You accept someone's truths, no matter what they may be, and put your needs and opinions aside, allowing someone to just be.
Holding space is closely related to empathy, but it is not quite the same thing. Empathy involves seeking to understand another person's feelings and needs. Holding space describes the quality of presence we bring while doing so. When we hold space, we resist the urge to fix, advise, compare, or redirect the conversation. Instead, we stay curious, attentive, and available. We trust that understanding often emerges not because we said the perfect thing, but because we were willing to remain present long enough for another person to feel seen and heard.
To discover What "Holding Space" For Others Really Means and How To Do It you can read the full article here: https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/holding-space