Companion to Episode 9 of The Serene-ish Podcast
🎧 Listen to Episode 9: Holding Space for Others, Part Two
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Weʻre back this week with a sequel! There was more to explore on the topic of Holding Space for Others, so here is Part Two of the conversation.
If you havenʻt listened to Part 1, you can do that here:
🎧 Listen to Episode 8: Holding Space for Others
We know what it feels like when someone is half-listening while mentally composing advice. We know what it feels like when someone rushes past our pain because they’re uncomfortable sitting inside it. And we also know the rare gift of being with someone who allows us to fully exhale.
Have you been with someone who doesn’t need you to hurry? Who doesn’t need to rescue you? Who can stay with you, present in a way that feels safe?
And are you that kind of person for others in your life?
In this second conversation on holding space for others, Brenda and I kept circling back to the reality that being present to others is something that takes a lot of intention, practice, and growing awareness.
Sometimes what we are longing for most is not insight, but safety.
A place where our grief, confusion, questions, or weariness can exist without immediately being corrected, minimized, or spiritualized away.
And honestly, this kind of presence can feel difficult to offer.
It asks us to release control and let go of the pressure to “make things better.” It asks us to become grounded enough in ourselves that we can remain open-hearted in the presence of someone else’s pain or vulnerability.
That kind of support is quiet work. Sacred work.
And maybe part of being serene-ish is learning that love does not always look like having answers. Sometimes it looks like listening deeply. Or sitting with someone in the unknown. Or being present in a way that communicates: “You don’t have to carry this alone.”
This week, try practicing attentive presence.
The next time someone shares something vulnerable with you:
Pause before responding.
Notice any urge to fix, advise, or redirect.
Take one slow breath.
Focus on helping the person feel seen and heard before helping them feel solved.
You might try simple responses like:
“I can see why that feels heavy.”
“That makes sense.”
“Thank you for trusting me with that.”
“I’m here.”
You can also ask a gentle follow-up question:
“Is there more you would like to share with me?”
“Is there anything I can do to help you feel supported and cared for?”
If this conversation resonates with you, here are a few gentle invitations for the week:
Practice listening without preparing a response:
Notice how often your mind jumps toward solutions or stories of your own. Gently return to the person in front of you.
Let compassion be simple:
Care doesn’t always have to be profound or eloquent. Sometimes support looks like a check-in text, a shared meal, or quietly showing up.
Pay attention to your own capacity:
Holding space for others also requires caring for yourself. Presence becomes difficult when we are emotionally depleted.
Notice who helps you exhale:
Who are the people that help you feel safe, grounded, or deeply seen? Consider reaching out to them this week.
What helps you feel genuinely supported by another person?
When someone you love is struggling, what makes it hardest to simply stay present?
We’d love to hear your reflections. Your stories often shape future conversations and remind others they are not alone.
You are welcome to share in the community chat, comments section, or even send us an email at thesereneishpodcast@gmail.com.
Thank you so much for being here with us.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, sharing, subscribing, rating, and reviewing helps more people find these conversations.
Holding space alongside you,
Brenda and Larissa
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