Held

"This is what it is to be loved and to know that the promise was when everything fell we'd be held."
-Christa Wells

 

We are experiencing a time when nothing feels normal. We long for a sense of safety and security.

When I am held, I feel safe.

But what does being held look like?

The obvious answer is receiving a hug. To me, hugs are incredibly powerful ways to connect, be vulnerable, and allow for the unspoken to be known. In the midst of the 'safer at home' mandate, not everyone has a 'someone' at home with them to share in being held.

Then what? What else brings the safety and sense of security? What connects to you in a way that brings peace?

Nature is an amazing respite. We are held in the arms of the trees, the air that fills our lungs, the songs of the birds, and life surrounding us.

Music is another form of allowing ourselves to be held. We can sing along, dance to it, play an instrument or create our own music. Music is a way to connect to our souls. Maybe it's listening to a song that you know will inspire tears to fall. It could be a song that you know will urge you to dance. Whatever option you choose, allow your soul to be held.

Meditating or prayer offers another form of being held; holding divine space for your inner whispers to be heard. Give yourself permission to be held in sacred quietude.

Creating opens the heart and mind, inspiring imagination. You don't have to be "crafty" to create. You can create a meal, a flower bed, an herb garden, an art project, a game or a different route to take when you walk your dog. Creating is about holding your dreams and imagination and allowing them to come to life.

Connecting to those you love is yet another way to feel held. Although the in-person connecting is currently restricted, having a conversation with a loved one softens your heart to receiving love and being held.

---

These are a few ways to open yourself to being held and feeling safe in the midst of the unknown.

What are some other ideas that you have been doing?

How are you being held?

What is bringing you a sense of safety and security?

---

Remember to offer yourself a sense of safety. It is safe for you to feel how you feel. It is safe for you to do an honest check-in with yourself. Hold your experiences with gentleness, knowing that compassion fosters safety.

In light, love, and peace

---