The other day I was reading an article and it mentioned how there are times in life when we need to hold the space for someone. This is when we are present for a person completely without asking for anything in return.
They may be going through a mental illness, a job loss, a tragedy, a health crisis or some other plight. And they need someone to walk beside them without trying to find a solution or tell them what to do or judge their journey. They need someone to hold the space.
It's almost like being a placeholder for what their normal life used to look like so that they can find it again later. After they weave through the jungle of stress that their life has become.
In order to hold the space for someone, you have to leave your own issues at the door and be open to take in what's happening in their life. Be a witness to their struggles so they feel validated and understood. And be a vessel of positive energy that they can draw on.
By helping another person, you enrich both of your lives. As American basketball player and coach John Wooden said, "Be true to yourself. Make each day a masterpiece. Help others. Drink deeply from good books. Make friendship a fine art. Build a shelter against a rainy day." Make a safe place where you can hold space. Then sit in it together. And the person you are there for will never forget it.