Craving Room to Breathe? Here’s Why Space Matters More Than You Think
We all know what it feels like when a trusted friend holds space for us – allowing us to be who we are, work through whatever we need to, and who doesn’t judge. They are there for us in Love.
The term “holding space” entered the mainstream of society through a 2015 blog post by Heather Plett, who was helping her mother to transition out of this life and into the next. She describes it as “being willing to walk alongside another person in whatever journey they’re on without judging them, making them feel inadequate, trying to fix them or trying to impact the outcome.”
This concept continues to gain understanding and momentum. And yet, holding space is bigger than just the friend who knows how to let you just be you.
The Pain of Not Having Enough Space
When we don’t hold space for ourselves, we become like vessels filled to the brim, where even the smallest addition causes a spillover. Minor inconveniences—a traffic delay, a forgotten item—trigger disproportionate frustration. Creative solutions give way to reactive decisions. We snap at loved ones and then feel remorse for our shortened patience.
Our bodies speak when we won’t listen. Sleep becomes elusive or unsatisfying. Meals are rushed or forgotten entirely. The wisdom of our intuition gets drowned out by the constant noise. We might even forget what genuinely brings us joy, as opposed to what merely distracts us from discomfort.
In our effort to accomplish more, we experience less. We move through meaningful moments without truly inhabiting them. We connect with others without being fully present. We accomplish tasks without deriving satisfaction from them. This disconnection—from ourselves, from others, from meaning—is the true cost of a life without space.
Finding Space
Room to breathe is what we seek when we’re out in nature – hunting or fishing, riding, and being with horses (who know how to hold space for us). Nature – these wide-open lands in this area also hold space for us. It’s where we rest and rejuvenate. In a way, it’s a type of mediation that allows us to reconnect with ourselves.
Some people find it in the magic of paper, pens, and ink when they journal. Others through creating art. Exercise can hold space for us – an early morning walk watching the sunrise. There is a sacredness in this “space,” however someone finds it. Here in Wyoming, we know the value of wide open and wild spaces. We need that space to balance the busyness of life.
Time to be who we truly are is a basic need to thrive. We all seek it in one way or another. We must carve out time to connect to that space to feel alive and whole. The more we find this space, the more we understand how to give the gift of holding space for others.
Join Us
At Breathe & Balance, we intentionally create this space – giving people yet another way to find who they truly are. We provide classes, events, and private consultations to allow you to tap into that loving energy that surrounds us.
Join us for our upcoming classes:
- FREE Yoga at the Library – Once a month, every month
- Yoga at the Chamberlin – Once a month April-October (outside in the courtyard)
- Horse Power
- Yoga 4 Golfers
- Yoga with Toddlers
- Yoga for Kids
- Private Sessions
[Read more about Nikki and how she came to Wyoming in this Cody Journal article.]
Nikki Levine Bustos
Owner of Breathe & Balance
[email protected]
I am an Intuitive Energy Guide, Yoga Educator, & Doula with over 25 years of training. I consider myself a student of life, living with my humans & animals on a Wyoming ranch in the Rocky Mountains. My passion is being of service by sharing sustainable, disciplined practices to create connection and inspire health for all living beings. My techniques encourage melding ancient & modern, knowledge & intuition, science & spirituality.