Holding Space for Yourself and Others This Holiday Season
Finding Space: How too Hold Yourself and Others Through the Holidays
The holidays are upon us,a time often filled with joy,connection,and… a whole lot of stuff. Between packed schedules, family gatherings, and the pressure to create the “perfect” festivity, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.But what if, amidst the hustle and bustle, we could carve out space for something more meaningful?
I once had a couple with young kids ask if they could stay in my office for an hour after our session. They wanted the space to simply be with each other, without any distractions or demands. This simple request highlighted a deep human need: the need for space where we feel held, seen, and understood.
This kind of space isn’t about physical distance; it’s about creating an emotional and mental environment where we can breathe, reflect, and connect authentically. It’s about holding space for ourselves and others, especially during times of uncertainty, change, or pain.
The Art of Holding Space
Musician, therapist, and podcaster Thomas Parkes explores this concept beautifully in his album Holding Space. On this week’s podcast,we delve into how we can cultivate this practice in our daily lives,whether it’s through quiet moments of reflection,offering a listening ear to a loved one,or simply allowing ourselves to feel our emotions fully.
Parkes’ music itself offers a creative space for listeners to connect with their own inner landscape.
So,how can we practically hold space for ourselves and others during the holidays? hear are a few tips inspired by the Wise Effort Method:
1. Get Curious:
Resist the urge to overschedule. Leave room for spontaneity and unexpected moments of joy.
Embrace the unknown. Ask more questions than you answer, and allow yourself to be surprised by what you discover.
Channel your inner child. Take time to simply observe,wonder,and appreciate the beauty around you.
2. Open Up:
Create physical space for connection. Put down your phone, uncross your arms, and lean in to show you’re present.
Welcome all your feelings. Don’t shy away from the full spectrum of emotions that arise during the holidays, from joy and excitement to anxiety and grief.
Connect with nature. Step outside and gaze at the stars, reminding yourself of the vastness and wonder of the universe.
3. Focus Your Energy:
Be intentional about your time and energy. Ask yourself: what truly matters to me? Who do I want to spend time with?
Make choices aligned with your values. When faced with decisions, pause and reflect on what feels authentic and meaningful. Choose presence over perfection. Embrace the imperfections and allow yourself to simply be* in the moment.this holiday season, let’s create space for what truly matters. Let’s hold space for ourselves, for our loved ones, and for the magic that unfolds when we allow ourselves to be fully present.
Finding Space: A Conversation with Thomas Parkes on Holding Space Through the Holidays
[Photo of Thomas Parkes]
As the holidays approach,manny of us find ourselves swept up in a whirlwind of activity. Between packed schedules, family gatherings, and the pressure too create picture-perfect moments, it’s easy to loose sight of what truly matters. This year, we’re taking a step back to explore the art of “holding space” – a concept beautifully captured in Musician, therapist, and podcaster Thomas Parkes’ latest album, Holding Space.
We recently sat down with Parkes to discuss how we can cultivate this practice, both for ourselves and for those around us, during this frequently enough hectic season.
NewsDirect3: Thomas, thank you for joining us. For those unfamiliar with the concept, can you explain what “holding space” means?
Thomas Parkes: At its core, holding space is about creating an environment where people feel seen, heard, and accepted exactly as they are – without judgment, without offering solutions, just purely being present with them. It’s about fostering a sense of safety and allowing emotions to surface freely.
NewsDirect3: This seems especially relevant during the holidays, a time often laden with complex emotions.how can we actively practice holding space for ourselves and our loved ones during this season?
Thomas Parkes: One key is to be mindful of our own needs. The holidays can be incredibly demanding. Make time for quiet reflection, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day. engage in activities that bring you joy and nourish your soul. When interacting with loved ones, practice active listening. put your phone aside, make eye contact, and truly be present with them. Resist the temptation to jump in with solutions or advice unless asked.
NewsDirect3: Your album, Holding Space, beautifully utilizes music to create a sense of calm and introspection. How can listening to music, or engaging in creative activities, help us hold space for ourselves?
Thomas Parkes: Music has an amazing ability to tap into our emotions and provide a safe space for processing them. Allow yourself to fully immerse in the music, notice the sensations it evokes, and let go of any need to analyze or understand. Creative activities, whether painting, writing, or simply doodling, can offer a similar outlet for expressing and exploring our inner landscape.
NewsDirect3: As we navigate the busyness of the holidays, what’s your final piece of advice for holding space for ourselves and others?
Thomas Parkes: Remember that presence is a gift.Being truly present with ourselves and with those we love is the most powerful way to create meaningful connections and lasting memories. Embrace the imperfections, allow space for vulnerability, and savor the simple moments.