The Art of Holding Space

29th Apr, 2023

Holding Space is a popular term, but what is the fuss? For many of us, we need space and quiet to hear the wisdom of our inner voice and gain clarity and ownership over our lives. We require access to a safe space where we can drift into vulnerability and maintain authority over our feelings, thoughts and experiences bringing clarity, insight and freedom to the surface. It is a compelling experience that transforms lives. Have you had an experience when you felt anxious, challenged, vulnerable, confused, or alone? All you needed was someone to listen to you and be there without judgement but instead, what you get, is advice on how to pull yourself together, what you should do to fix the situation or perhaps the conversation turns to address the other person's concerns leaving you feeling abandoned, insignificant, inadequate and judged. So often, all we need is someone to hold space for us, be fully present, and listen with an open heart and compassionate attitude—someone who will allow us to move through our feelings and reach our own conclusions. At times we all need someone to hold space for us, at other times we need to hold space for ourselves, or to hold space for another. Holding space is an essential art of communication, engagement, understanding and transformation for family, friends, colleagues, and community. It is a vital skill for personal and professional development, facilitators, teachers, trainers, organisers, coaches, creatives, impactors, leaders, therapists, sacred circle holders and those that just simply care. The ability to hold space for self and others has never been more essential, with so many feeling inadequate in facing their struggles and disconnected from their power. When we learn to hold space, we deepen our understanding and ability to hold ourselves and others in potential and in wholeness. Holding space seems simple, but it takes skill and practice. It is not a self-improvement drive rather it is about self-liberation so we can create and enjoy naturally healthy environments. When we master the subtle art of holding space, we can easily be present with ourselves and others in discomforts, traumas, and elevations without judgement or the need to fix, change or alter another’s choices. We learn to hold our boundaries with clarity and our relationships with compassion whilst building the capacity to face the turbulent waters of life with ease and grace. But before we can hold space for others, we must learn to hold clean space for ourselves where we can observe our inner workings and experience the knowledge essential to building trust and safety. This energetic space of allowing opens the gateway for us and others to journey through liminal space and transforms our reality. People become empowered not because of what anyone does but because of what is allowed to unfold. The Mastery of holding space develops with practice. Sure, we can learn the essential ingredients, but without practice, we cannot support ourselves and others in a loving, healing way. In this two-day training, you will learn: -What holding space is -Supportive Mindfulness techniques -The essential ingredients for holding space. -How to prepare self for holding space. -How to hold space for self. -Obstacles to holding space. -The importance of intention, attention and attitude in holding space. -How to navigate the gateway through liminal space. -About clear boundaries that create safe containers. -The illusions of holding space -How to become competent and comfortable holding space. -When not to hold space. -How not to hold space. THIS TRAINING IS FOR THOSE: -Wanting to improve their relationships, including with parents, partners, friends, coaches, teachers, facilitators, consultants, therapists, trainers, instructors, counsellors, sacred circle holders and anyone who breathes. -Ready to deepen their skills to support people in their work. -Seeking skills and tools to respond to life’s challenges with greater ease. -Committed to supporting themselves in their authentic journey. -Looking for greater accountability, autonomy, and authenticity. -Wanting to heal rather than blame and shame. -Willing to take responsibility for their emotions, thoughts and feelings. -Eager to transform past conditioning. -Wanting to strengthen their capacity to face challenges and thrive. -That hold sharing circles or want to hold sharing circles. -Looking for Positive change YOU WILL WALK AWAY KNOWING: -What Holding Space is. -How to prepare yourself for holding space. -How to hold space for self and others. -How to ground and be present -How to pay attention to your attention -How to practice radical Listening and genuine sharing without judgment. -How to create clear boundaries that are safe and empowering containers. -How to get out of your way and let the transformation happen -When to hold space and when not to -How to utilise holding space skills in many situations -How to sit in discomfort and comfort -How to be a loving vessel for change -What not to do when holding space. These skills are not restricted to holding space. They enhance many aspects of your life and give rise to greater awareness and a deeper connection to what is most important to your heart. This training taps into resources, understanding and practice cultivated over many years of facilitation and guiding to fine-tune your essential space-holding skills. It is an experiential and cognitive journey of inner and outer exploration, discovery, and insight that embodies the vital ingredients for holding space. This course is essential for those wishing to progress to The Art of Holding Sacred Circle, which is a dive into ancient ritual open to men, women and non-binary. You will leave knowing how to design, format, create, guide, hold and facilitate a variety of sacred circles. There are many types of sacred circles, but the fundamental essence that gives rise to alchemy and ritual is constant. After many years of facilitating sacred work, my talent lies in holding sacred space and creating soul-stirring experiences. I am a seeker of wisdom, lover of ritual, sacred space, and all things mindful. I love laughter, family, open hearts, authenticity, risqué moments, stretching beyond, bright colours, stillness, raw honesty, nature, and good coffee. As a mother of 3 and grandmother of 9, I know how important it is to have the mindful tools and resources to thrive through our lived experiences, achieve our audacious dreams and consciously shape our future.