I have been doing a lot of work on me and, as part of that work, reading a lot about "holding space" for people. I found an excellent article that gives a fairly concise overview of what holding space means:
(Holding space) means we are willing to walk alongside another person in whatever journey they’re on without judging them, making them feel inadequate, or trying to impact the outcome. When we hold space for other people, we open our hearts, offer unconditional support, and let go of judgment and control. To truly support people in their own growth, transformation, grief, etc., we can’t do it by taking their power away (ie. trying to fix their problems), shaming them (ie. implying that they should know more than they do), or overwhelming them (ie. giving them more information than they’re ready for). We have to be prepared to step to the side so they can make their own choices, offer them unconditional love, give gentle guidance when it’s needed, and make them feel safe even when they make mistakes.
It really is a profoundly beautiful concept. Then, today, I started wondering how cuddling plays into holding space for others and is the act of cuddling, in its way, an act of holding space? I know my personal journey through cuddle culture has helped me grow and transform in so many ways that I would have never even considered six months ago when I was just wanting some hugs.
Chime in with your own thoughts on this topic as you will.