Last week (early March) I was in Bristol, Vermont at the school of Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy acting in the role of mentor and practitioner.
Being onsite and immersed in training and practice is rich, regardless of the course or my role in it. I come away injected with more insight into the work, more skills to support me as a practitioner (which then enables me to better support clients) and a personal fullness of being that comes from living in community with others who are uniquely skilled in holding space.
Being onsite and immersed in training and practice is rich, regardless of the course or my role in it. I come away injected with more insight into the work, more skills to support me as a practitioner (which then enables me to better support clients) and a personal fullness of being that comes from living in community with others who are uniquely skilled in holding space.
What does this mean - ‘holding space’?
In short, offering your undivided, open, non-judgemental, active-listening, attention to another or others. Not just hearing with your ears, but seeing your eyes, and feeling with your body. Mindfully engaging with the intention of not getting in the way.
Holding space isn’t a norm in our society. We are often too engrossed in our own ‘stuff’ and our reactions to what the other person is sharing (in sound, sight and emotion) to truly pay attention to them. We are ready to react; to offer advice, to defend, judge, change, or deny.
Have you ever attempted to share something deeply meaningful to you, with someone whom you trust and walked away from the conversation not feeling heard, understood or gotten because the other person was so caught up in their own reaction to what you shared? Or maybe you can recall a time (or ten) when this has been you, not listening to another.
Holding space is a practice. Those of us lucky enough to have been raised in an environment that held space know this as a way of interacting with others, but this doesn’t seem to be the norm. So we must practice … just listening ... to another.
Holding space is a key element of Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy. It happens in 1-on-1, confidential sessions of movement, mindfulness, and dialog centered on the client and supported by the practitioner.
If you do not feel ‘heard’ or simply need someone to hold space for you as you explore a particular life event or decision, or some emotion or situation that you feel ‘stuck’ in, schedule a series of sessions and notice the difference it can make in your life.
As I re-enter the day-to-day dynamics of my life this coming week, I do so feeling more grounded and purposeful in the life I am creating. The gifts of acceptance and affirmation from my fellow practitioners offered me the space to get even more honest and clear about who I am and what I want and how I want to be, including refining my ability to hold space for others.
~Yvette
