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“Holding space is like a great pilgrimage home to your own soul.” ~ Azriel ReShel

 

In the midst of a life that can be overrun with hurry and noise, there is a compelling argument to be made for holding space for yourself. It is all about ‘being there’ for and supporting yourself in the same way you would be present for others who need you during times of crisis or grief.

 

Doing this for yourself means making room in your busyness to simply be so you can listen fully to your own deepest needs, feelings and yearnings and observe without judgment or shame your faults, mistakes, values, beliefs and behaviours. In the same way you sit in respectful silence with others in their time of need, you can become present to your own doubts, fears, perfectionism, and criticisms when you hold space for yourself. As an insightful witness to your inner experience, being self-present allows you to look at all of who you are with kindness, acceptance and love.

Treat yourself with care, consideration, kindness, compassion and love.

“You, yourself, as much as anybody in the universe, deserve your love and affection” –  Buddha

 

The Gift in Holding Space for Yourself

• When you have the courage and strength to silently sit with your inner experience and allow its messages to be heard, you are doing profound spiritual and emotional work. The opened door to self-acceptance becomes an integral part of your daily life that will always show you how to stand up for who you are.
• Taking the time to cultivate such a sacred inner connection gives you the freedom and capacity to objectively look at how your values and authentic nature aligns with your outer world experiences. With this awareness, you have the capability and intelligence to take realistic and transformational steps to change and growth in your life.

• Cultivating the habit of self-reflection and self-compassion allows you the ability to hold that same supportive space for others and create a positive impact on the world around you.

• Having created a sacred inner connection that is kind and unconditionally can shift your actions to a more balanced posture in daily life. This presence creates personal health and well-being and ripples out to those around you providing more calm, peace and love.

 

Steps to Holding Space for Yourself

• Accept your flaws, love your unique expression of you in life
• Learn to be selfish in a sacred way and say ‘no’ to others and ‘yes’ to yourself
• Set assertive boundaries that stand up for yourself and your needs
• Take time daily to attune to your heart space and integrate fragmented emotions and energies
• Meditate or find silent and stillness time in each day to focus inwardly and listen deeply
• Know when to reach out for support from others and take action to do so
• Find and acknowledge your personal truths – gifts and hindrances
• Learn to be a good, kind and empowering parent to yourself
• Breathe and create regular practices that support relaxation and refreshment for yourself

 

If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete ~ Jack Kornfield

Your well-being is the foundation you have built that gives you the resilience to remain strong and balanced when life challenges threaten to upend your equilibrium. When you neglect your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health, you weaken your ability to be a healing presence in the world. Holding space for yourself is vital to a life lived in integrity and wholeness.

~

 

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