I Hold That Close

Holding space is the act of being fully present with another person as they move through their own process.

It is witnessing without interfering.
Being there without trying to change, fix, or direct what is happening.
Allowing the moment to unfold as it is.

Even when parts of their experience feel familiar.
Even when something in me recognizes it.

I stay with them, without letting that shape what is unfolding.

As a practitioner, through my years facilitating in ceremonies, this is not just something you understand.

It’s something you carry.

Calm.
Steadiness.
A presence of safety people can feel.

A grounded sense of confidence that puts people at ease.

A quiet, strong presence that allows trust to open and vulnerability to follow.

So when that moment shows up,
whether it’s uncertainty or the need for guidance,

they have something solid to hold on to.

An anchor, if they need it.

Right there, in the silence of my presence.

And there are moments when the layers fall even deeper, and you’re holding that container at its most vulnerable,  emotions rise in a way a person would not allow on their own,
let alone in front of someone else.

Something so intimate to them, so unique, so meaningful moves through them.

I witness it in silence.

My mind steady.
My heart in gratitude.

Holding space for myself,
and for the one in front of me.

This is a sacred moment.

And I hold that very close to my heart.