The art of being present
You may have heard of the act of “holding space” and thought it was only something done in a counsellor’s office or a yoga studio. Yet this compassionate gesture is something we all can do, anytime, anywhere. Doing so can lead to stronger relationships and authenticity, helping both parties feel more at ease with their vulnerabilities.
To hold space for someone involves being there for them and fully present, offering empathy, kindness and perhaps even a shoulder to cry on. It means not rushing in to fix the situation, cast judgement or offer well-meaning (but perhaps misguided) platitudes.
“Holding space means giving support that is free of judgement,” explains Natajsa Wagner, a Brisbane-based clinical psychologist. “It involves a conscious and deliberate choice to put aside
