Bonus Episode: The Happy Empath?

Melissa, Hilary, and Jaymi have been feeling the weight of the pandemic. One of the skills they’ve found helpful for both themselves and those they love is to use the notion of holding space. This means that you be present with your whole mind, body, spirit and listen to yourself or the person you are with without judgment. You listen wholeheartedly with empathy and compassion. It’s an important skill for readers, those on the spiritual path, and anyone wanting healthier relationships.

• Holding space for self requires a lot of deep breathing, letting go of self-judgments, and cultivating compassion for yourself. As Hilary said, “insert stuff here”
• Holding space for others is giving them time and attention to talk about what is going on. Don’t solve their issues, don’t judge, don’t make it about you. Let them talk or emote and bear witness to their journey.

Jaymi found this article on how to hold space useful: https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/holding-space

Hilary recommends you read Seth Godin’s The Practice https://bookshop.org/books/the-practice-shipping-creative-work/9780593328972

Melissa also recommends you read The Happy Empath by Christine Rose Elle. You can learn more at Christine’s site at https://www.christineroseelle.com/books/

Also, if you are having a hard time during the pandemic and need someone to talk to, please know there are people here who can listen to you. Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. They speak English and Spanish and someone is available 24-hour. Call 800-273-8255.

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