Holding Space

Dear Friends,
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As I write this, I am enjoying my coffee while sitting next to a beautiful stream.  It’s morning and the sun is just starting to hit the tops of the trees.  I took a picture for you, it’s my view right now.  It’s magical.  You’ll get this a couple of weeks late, unfortunately that’s not my view this particular Friday morning.  As I sit here, steeling myself for the inevitable (really cold) barefoot stream crossing I must do when I get myself going for the day, I am aware of the fact that I am holding space for myself…...and it feels so deliciously good.

I was thinking a lot yesterday, as I walked my 11 miles.  For part of my day I was contemplating my therapist.  I have a therapist who I really love, and as I was walking yesterday I was trying to pinpoint exactly why.

She holds space so well.  She shows up, she listens, but she doesn’t just listen, she really hears what you have to say.  I feel safe and held and heard and seen and most importantly not judged in her presence…..and all through a computer screen.  She is an amazing space holder.  Now, don’t get me wrong, sessions are hard and I often leave feeling totally and completely emotionally exhausted…...and sometimes I just want to stick my head in the sand instead of being in session with her.

Back to my walk.  I was thinking about how often we listen, but we’re not really listening…..we’re really thinking about the next thing we’re going to say.  Now, granted, I am not under the impression that anyone is perfect in this area, and so I’m sure my therapist is also guilty of thinking over the speech of others in real life even though she excels at listening and hearing in the professional setting.

However, as I was walking, I couldn’t help but think how different life might look if we held space, if we showed up, if we really listened and heard and saw without judgement in our own every-day lives with the people in our homes, in our workplaces, who we pass on the street…..and with our own selves.

May we, this week, show up and listen a little more fully, with a little more intention and a little less judgement to both those around us and also with ourselves.

I hope you have an amazing weekend dear friends, I am so thankful for you.

Love
Krista