Holding Space for Yourself When Life Feels Heavy ( Cloned )
Life has its seasons, much like nature around us—some vibrant, warm, and full of growth, others quiet, cold, and challenging. It’s during these more difficult seasons, when our hearts feel heavy and our minds feel weary, that we need to hold space for ourselves most tenderly.
Holding space for myself when life felt heavy. Those words take me back to last spring and summer, a season that felt like being caught in a storm with no time to catch my breath. There was loss—my mother-in-law, my husband’s job, my niece’s wedding I couldn’t attend. There was worry—my mom’s health, our beloved 13-year-old cat suddenly ill. And there was change—my daughter’s joyful college graduation shadowed by the ache of her moving across the country for good. It felt like everything was happening at once, and there was hardly any space left for me.
We all go through seasons like this—where life piles up and holding space for ourselves feels impossible. Looking back, I want to share what helped me navigate that time. My hope is that when life feels heavy for you, these practices might offer some steadiness in the storm.
Holding space, a beautiful act of mindfulness, simply means giving ourselves permission to pause, reflect, and nurture ourselves without judgment. It’s about creating a gentle environment within where healing, compassion, and self-awareness can flourish.
If you’re experiencing an emotionally overwhelming period, know first and foremost: you’re not alone. We’ve all journeyed through times of emotional intensity—grief, loss, overwhelm, or anxiety. While these experiences are inherently human, navigating them mindfully can transform our relationship with hardship and guide us toward greater resilience and inner peace.
Here are a few gentle ways you can hold space for yourself during times when life feels particularly heavy:
Pause and Breathe
The breath is a powerful tool available to us at any moment. When emotions feel overwhelming, pause for a moment, and take a series of slow, intentional breaths. Breathe deeply and gently into your belly, feeling your breath rise and fall. Each inhale welcomes calm, each exhale releases tension. This simple practice creates immediate space between you and your emotions, allowing clarity and calm to surface.
Acknowledge Your Feelings Without Judgment
Often, we instinctively push away uncomfortable feelings, hoping they’ll disappear. But emotions—sadness, fear, anger, even despair—carry important messages. Rather than pushing them away, try gently acknowledging them. Say quietly to yourself, “I see you,” or, “I understand that you’re hurting.” Validating your feelings without judgment allows them to soften, making space for healing to begin.
Create Gentle Rituals of Self-Care
Rituals help ground us during uncertain times. They create predictability, warmth, and a sense of gentle control. Your rituals don’t need to be elaborate—just heartfelt. Perhaps it’s starting your morning with a warm cup of tea and reflection. Maybe it’s lighting a candle at night and journaling about your feelings. Find simple actions that nourish your soul and incorporate them intentionally into your day.
Connect With Nature
Nature has a gentle, healing power unlike anything else. Step outside, even if only for a moment. Feel the sun on your skin, the breeze on your face, or the earth beneath your feet. Allow yourself to be fully present, observing the trees, birds, sky, or clouds. Nature mirrors our own inner seasons, reminding us that everything, even the hardest moments, eventually shifts and transforms.
Seek Stillness and Solitude
In our noisy, busy world, quiet can be profoundly healing. Find time for stillness and solitude each day. This doesn’t need to mean hours alone in silence—it could simply be a quiet five minutes in the morning or a short walk alone during your lunch break. Stillness allows your mind and heart to reset and replenish, creating space to hear your inner wisdom more clearly.
Be Gentle With Your Inner Dialogue
The voice inside our heads can either comfort or wound. During emotionally taxing seasons, consciously choose kindness in your self-talk. Imagine speaking to yourself as you would to a beloved friend or child. Offer reassurance, empathy, and patience. Gentle, compassionate self-talk can soothe emotional pain and help you feel nurtured from within.
Accept and Seek Support
Holding space doesn’t mean bearing the weight alone. Sometimes, the kindest act toward yourself is accepting or seeking support. Whether it’s reaching out to a trusted friend, family member, or professional counselor, remember that human connection is essential to healing. Allow others to hold space for you as you navigate difficult waters; their presence can remind you that you’re never truly alone.
Practice Gratitude in Small Moments
Even during our toughest moments, gratitude can gently shift our perspective. Each day, notice at least one small thing you’re grateful for—it could be a beautiful sunset, the taste of your favorite meal, or the softness of your pillow. Gratitude doesn’t erase hardship but gently reminds us that beauty and hope coexist alongside struggle.
Trust in Your Inner Resilience
Above all, remember your strength. The heaviness you’re feeling now, though challenging, is temporary. You have navigated storms before and emerged wiser, stronger, and more deeply connected to yourself. Trust your resilience, knowing that this difficult season will eventually lead you to growth and renewed strength.
Holding space for yourself is not about perfection—it’s simply about gently showing up, moment by moment, with kindness and compassion. By learning how to nurture ourselves through difficult times, we become more resilient, compassionate, and deeply connected to our authentic selves. Remember, in every moment, you deserve your own kindness and care. Breathe deeply, take gentle care, and trust in the wisdom that comes with honoring yourself exactly as you are.
About Joan Gilbert
Joan Gilbert is a mindfulness coach dedicated to helping individuals cultivate inner peace, resilience, and self-compassion. Through personalized mindfulness coaching, workshops, and guided meditation sessions, Joan provides practical tools and compassionate guidance to support you in navigating life’s emotional seasons. Learn more or book a session at mindfulnesswithjoan.com.
