Holding Space for yourself means learning how to be more present and grounded in the face of discomfort and disruption, how to soothe yourself when your nervous system becomes dysregulated, how to develop healthier boundaries, how to release other people’s baggage, how to stand more confidently in your own sovereignty and uniqueness, how to forgive yourself when you fumble, and how to show up in your relationships with more grace and groundedness.

Holding space is also about “putting on your own oxygen mask first”. Learning how to hold space for myself (and start putting it into practice) was by far my biggest takeaway. We are all important and taking care of my own needs makes me better prepared to hold the bowl for others. I am becoming more mindful of my own needs and when/how I can hold space for others. I try to give myself space and time when I need it. And I’m learning to recognize how deep my bowl is at a given time. When I’m paying the proper attention to my own needs I am so much more able to “listen with attention and speak with intention” when I support others. I am less reactive and kinder to myself and others. I am more likely to take a timeout or step away from the stress to give myself a break. I don’t sweat the small stuff nearly as much.

-How to Hold Space Foundation Program Participant