Holdin' Space

Holding Space: Energy & Intention

You can find many helpful hints and advice about holding space from a variety of traditions and resources. I will share my opinions and techniques about it here! To hold space, one has to create a space to hold in the first place. A sacred, special environment, ideal for the energetic journey of self-transformation and self-discovery.

"Holding space" is an action that is generally invisible. It is one of the mystical and energetic practices used by holistic healers and instructors. However, anyone is capable of holding space. Individuals hold space for themselves all the time on their yoga mat! Do you have a spot at your home that is all yours, you designed the area, you spend time in the area as your place to retreat, to relax and feel safe, at peace?

The space held knows no borders or judgements, it does not discriminate, it welcomes everyone. The "space" is a specific area of energy where we deeply belong for a direct purpose, such as healing, worship, protection, ritual, or simply being. The holistic healer, instructor or individual uses their deep intentions and personal power to summon protective energy into a space. This can be done for oneself or for others on a small or big scale.

Our Teacher Holding Space: Yogi Vishvketu in Rishikesh, Utterakhand, India

Sometimes the space being held is very large. One person can conjure special nurturing and grounded energy for an entire room, yoga hall, building of worship and beyond. Perhaps some are able to hold space for an entire group of dispersed people. A whole city, a country, a region. Some may even be holding space for us that spans the entire globe, right now! Many are surely praying or meditating or calling on sacred universal energy to protect and heal humanity as I type/you read this. Those of you who have been in the presence of a great spiritual teacher, have felt cradled, accepted and safe because of their powerful intentions of holding space.

Maybe you can remember a time when you held space for yourself. You feel grounded and protected in a space you have created for yourself. You may have noticed the boundaries of the space you are holding when someone else enters the space unexpectedly. Often we hold space through objects in our physical surroundings. Special pictures, candles and objects that have meaning for us decorate a "sacred space". Sacred space is another whole blog post altogether!

Holding Space as a Yoga Instructor

Every time I do yoga, I hold a space for myself. Every time I teach yoga, I hold a space for myself and for others. The space I hold for myself when I teach yoga to others is a very special energy. The energy that I ask to receive is protective, so that any negative energy is not transferred from me to the students or the students onto me. We release a lot during practice so its natural to absorb the energy of others if you aren't conscious. This is an issue for holistic healers and instructors especially.

Afterwards, ground your energy by coming into direct contact with nature. If this is not available then sit on the floor. Place your hands palms down on the ground or floor. Use your intention to direct unnecessary energy out of the chakras in the middle of your palms. This is a place where lots of energy gathers, and it is a more direct opening from which to conduct energy. Perhaps you are already familiar with the power points in the hands, if you work with them energetically as a healer, instructor or individual who does energy work. There are lots of ways to ground oneself before, during and after holding space.

 

Holding Space for Myself in Lotus Pose

 

The general intention to practice and to lead others in practice will relax you into your seat (asana). As the hips begin to sink down in sitting pose, a connection is created with you and the ground. This communion is an immediate signal to the energy around you that effort is being made for sacred space and sacred activities, such as yoga.

To take it a step further, you might visualize a shape from sacred geometry surrounding and protecting you. Perhaps you work with crystals and will choose some gemstones that can be with you, to offer balance and protection for yourself and for others. Maybe you activate a colour (could be corresponding to a chakra you wish to invoke), which starts to emanate from your aura and forms a circle, square or pyramid shape around your person as an energetic "shield".

Merkaba - Sacred Geometry - Holding Space in the Auric Field