Companion to Episode 8 of The Serene-ish Podcast
🎧 Listen to Episode 8: Holding Space for Others
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In this episode, Brenda and I talked about what it means to hold space for someone, especially when they are grieving, overwhelmed, questioning, hurting, or simply trying to make sense of their lives. There’s something deeply sacred about being fully present with another person without trying to fix or rescue.
And honestly? It can feel uncomfortable.
Most of us have been trained to move quickly toward solutions. We want to help. We want to ease pain. We want to make things better. We want to say the perfect thing. But sometimes the most healing thing we can offer another person is not advice, but presence. We can care for people by being a steady nervous system, a listening ear, and a reminder that they do not have to carry their experience alone.
We reflected on the difference between hearing someone and actually creating space for them to unfold honestly. That kind of presence requires something of us. It asks us to slow down. To release the pressure to do the right thing. To tolerate uncertainty and discomfort without rushing to fill the silence.
And maybe that’s part of being serene-ish with people that we care about. We can show up with our companionship.
Sometimes the most loving thing we can say is: “I’m here with you.”
This week, try practicing one minute of non-fixing presence.
The next time someone shares something difficult with you:
Pause before giving advice.
Take one slow breath.
Listen for understanding instead of response.
Try saying:
“That sounds really hard.”
“Thank you for sharing that with me.”
“I’m with you in this.”
Notice what shifts when you resist the urge to solve and simply stay present.
If this conversation resonates, here are a few gentle ways to practice holding space this week:
Stay curious instead of corrective:
Ask questions that invite honesty instead of steering toward solutions.
Let silence breathe:
Not every pause needs to be filled. Sometimes people need room to find their own words.Notice your discomfort:
When you feel the urge to fix, rescue, or redirect, gently (without judgement) ask yourself: What am I feeling right now?Offer presence in small ways:
A text. A walk. A meal. A simple check-in. Care does not always have to be profound to be meaningful.
When have you felt genuinely seen or supported by another person?
What helps you feel safe enough to be honest about what you’re carrying?
We’d love to hear your reflections in the comments or chat. Your stories and insights often shape future conversations.
We appreciate you being here. If you are enjoying our podcast, please share, subscribe, rate, and review. That helps people find us.
Holding space alongside you,
Brenda and Larissa
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