|
Hi Friend-
I'd like to talk to you about "holding space." It's a phrase that you often hear in the context of being with other people — and particularly in situations where others might feel vulnerable. Essentially, it's the practice of being open, present, and allowing — of creating a protective space where people feel comfortable being themselves.
I want to give this phrase a little twist today and talk about it in a different way — to explore the idea of holding space for ourselves. What would it mean to create a space where you could be open, present, and allowing with yourself? To create a space where you felt protected and at ease exploring your ideas? Or doing the work that really matters?
| |
At the moment, most of us operate according to the de facto rhythm forced on us by life in the 21st century.
It's a pace that privileges speed and efficiency above all else — one that lures us into operating at 99.9% of our bandwidth on a daily basis. One that makes us feel like we're not doing "enough" unless we have a schedule that's jam-packed with meetings and an inbox that's almost empty.
We tell ourselves that "busy is good." But if we look deeper, the feeling underneath is one of being trapped, cornered, or even suffocated by our over-stuffed schedules. This is a super-corny illustration, but I think it captures the essence of this feeling...
| |
The upshot of this over-scheduled working style is that it creates an utter and complete lack of space — of breathing room. On the surface, that might not seem very significant. But this tight, constrained way of working actually has deep repercussions.
Because space matters.
Just think about the moments when you've felt the most inspired or the most at peace. For most people they come when you're in an expansive space, or when you're literally moving through space.
When you're in a temple or a cathedral or some other expansive architectural wonder. When you're in nature, staring out into a vast sea, hiking up a mountain, or just walking through a beautiful park. Or when you're exercising — feeling the power of your body as you run or swim or do yoga.
And yet we spend most of our days "locked in the closet," so to speak, of our over-busy schedules — burdened down by email, meetings, and a million other little obligations. We're happy to "hold space" in our schedules for other people, but what about when it comes to ourselves?
Because it turns out that this space isn't a luxury, it's a necessity. Particularly if you want to do work that is meaningful or creative.
On September 10th, I'm re-opening registration for my online course RESET, which, at its core, is all about creating space.
| |
RESET will teach you how to push back against other people's demands, create boundaries, and carve out new space so that you can find more meaning and creativity in your daily work.
Of course, you might think I'm a little biased. What with being the creator of the course and all. ; )
So here's a few true stories of "spaciousness" from past students:
"In the wake of taking RESET, I feel a greater sense of spaciousness and permission to make room for what matters to ME. In practical terms: I knocked off a project that had been weighing on me for *two years* over the month I spent watching the lessons. There have been non-productivity-based results, too: I feel more grounded, compassionate, and clear-headed."
—Lucy Bellwood, Graphic Artist
"Prior to taking this course, I had some guilt around my creative process because I wasn't working in the way, or at the speed, that others might want me to. RESET has given me confidence in my creative process and helped me define and honor the way I want to work."
—Angie Wheeler, Entrepreneur
"This is the one course that didn't promise to change my life and actually did. When I started RESET, I was feeling bogged down with work I no longer enjoyed, and I had no idea how to visualize my next creative path. This course helped me clear out the clutter and get my priorities in order. Now I feel like my work is worthwhile."
—Julie Coats, Medical Illustrator
| |
RESET re-opens for registration on September 10th, and the 4-week course begins on October 6th.
I would love to have you join me in learning how to lay down the burden of your over-busy schedule. A new, more spacious way of working is available to you if you're willing and ready for change. ✨
Much love,
Jocelyn
| |
Hi, I'm Jocelyn, the human behind this newsletter. I created the RESET course from scratch based on my research and personal experience. I also host Hurry Slowly — a podcast about how you can be more productive, creative, and resilient by slowing down. You can contact me at any time by replying to this email. 🤓 | | | | |
No comments:
Post a Comment