Creativity in Service to Others

Steve,

Thanks for taking the time to post your comments and ask a great question.

I can describe holding space in two ways for clarity--what it is and what it isn't.

Imagine a friend invites you over for dinner to meet their friends. The five of you sit down to dinner, and before you know it everyone is yelling at the top of their lungs, talking over each other, interrupting each other, all to make their point before anyone else can, while the host, the friend who invited you, joins right in with the rest and talks about themselves for as long as possible whenever they can make their voice heard. That is the opposite of holding space.

Now imagine the same friend has everyone over. You get introduced to the other friends. You might notice that the host asks a question here or makes a connection there about things people have in common or to stimulate an interesting conversation. And then they sit back and listen. At the end of the evening someone remarks that they haven't talked like that in years or maybe you shared a story that you wouldn't normally share with someone you've just met, but it just felt right. That's what it feels like when someone is holding space.
People generally wait for each other to finish speaking before the next person speaks. There's an energy of attention and a feeling of connection between the people present. I think of it as though I am literally creating a safe area for others to speak and be heard with respect and attention, and require only that they do the same for whomever else is present, when I am the host. Its the kind of conversation I would want to participate in, if I were the guest.

Does that help? If not, let me know and I'll explain it another way.

Best,
Melanie

I believe in creativity in service to others. You can hear more at...www.publicradioquest.com/node/1855. Thanks for listening!

Dear Alisha,

Thanks for your feedback and support. I enjoyed your focus on indie music. Chris Pureka is a recent new discovery (and a recommendation if you don't know her). Do you have a show online? I love music and finding new music to love. If so, I'd love the link. And kudos for working in the postal service. Can't believe the USPS sued them over the name. Very best of luck with the contest. Thanks for listening.

Best,
Melanie

http://www.publicradioquest.com/node/1855

Dear Athena,

Thanks for listening. I appreciate your support!

Best,
Melanie

http://www.publicradioquest.com/node/1855

Dear Jejune,

Thanks for taking the time to listen and give me feedback.

Best,
Melanie

http://www.publicradioquest.com/node/1855