Before we begin,
Take a moment to remember why you are here.
Holding space for someone is not about solving their problems or taking away their pain.
It is about creating a safe,
Compassionate presence where they can unfold at their own pace.
This meditation will help you ground,
Center and soften so that when you are with another person,
You are steady,
Open and fully present.
Let's begin by finding a comfortable seat.
Allow your body to settle into stillness,
Your spine tall but not rigid.
Let your hands rest softly on your lap.
Close your eyes or soften your gaze.
Take a deep breath in through the nose and release slowly through the mouth.
Let's take two more like this.
Breathing in,
Gathering yourself inward and breathing out,
Letting go of anything heavy,
Anything you don't need to carry right now.
Now begin to breathe in a natural rhythm.
Notice the rise and fall of your chest,
The steady anchor of your breath.
As you settle here,
Imagine that you are clearing an inner room within yourself.
A room where another person might safely enter,
Be seen and be heard.
You don't need to decorate it or fill it with words.
Remember that your presence is enough.
The space itself is the gift.
Bring your attention now to your heart.
Perhaps place a hand over your chest,
Feeling its warmth,
Its rhythm.
Silently repeat to yourself,
I am present,
I am open and I am steady.
Allow these words to soften you into receptivity.
If thoughts arise,
Like your opinions,
Advice or even discomfort,
Simply notice them.
You might say quietly to yourself,
This is mine,
Not theirs.
And then with an exhale,
Let it go.
Come back to the still,
Steady space that you are holding.
From here,
Silently offer these intentions.
May I hold space with kindness,
May I hold space with patience,
May I hold space with compassion and may this person feel safe,
Seen and supported.
When you are ready,
Gently open your eyes,
Carry this grounded presence with you as you step into your role of supporting another.
Remembering that holding space does not mean carrying their burden.
It simply means being with them fully and with openness and love.
