In my work, we call this non-anxious loving presence for others “holding space” for a person/s. There is sometimes something very powerful about simply witnessing another’s humanity and providing acceptance and safety for that person to be human in all our messiness. In a way it strikes me that this vocation to presence and incarnation t…
In my work, we call this non-anxious loving presence for others “holding space” for a person/s. There is sometimes something very powerful about simply witnessing another’s humanity and providing acceptance and safety for that person to be human in all our messiness. In a way it strikes me that this vocation to presence and incarnation to which some feel called is a kind of holding vigil with our own selfhood for humanity. It’s beautiful, hard, messy work. Edited to add that it makes me reflect on the connection between witnessing another's humanity by sitting with them in their experience of frailty, longing, and greif, as they are confronted by things that are overwhelming, and the practice of with-ness. At it's heart it is reflecting back to someone their inherent worth in the midst of their vulnerability. I hope that makes sense.
I'm an Anglican minister, but I am on a medical leave for a few months due to a post viral neurological issue. My work, though, isn't typically institutional in the sense that I've never comprehended it as a role that defends orthodoxy or to teach people about the "right" way to live, but as a vocation to relationship and to walk with people in their suffering, and to listen deeply. It is about assisting people in discovering and experiencing their beloved-ness in God's eyes and to support them in cultivating a rich spirituality, because even though life is beautiful, it's also effing hard. I actually think that we're at point in history where the church as we know it needs to crumble and die in order to rediscover what it is about and who it is for.
I'm not sure whether the neurological condition I have is temporary or permanent, though, and if it's permanent, I need to pivot professionally. I'm thinking about mediation. That's probably more of an answer than you needed, lol!
Oh Madeleine! I wish you had been my Anglican minister as a child! I'm sending you some good energy and wish that your neurological condition resolves quickly. If not, I love that you are ready and open to pivot to what serves you and those you serve.
To walk with people in their suffering and to listen deeply...what a beautiful offering you provide. From what I’ve read of your comments, I have no doubt you will find a way to embrace and pivot if needed in response to your neurological condition. Thank you for your beautiful words. Take care. Sending love. ✨
I work as a Montessori teacher and I also dance. I’ve married my two passions and created a service called Montessori Dance through which I offer workshops for both children and educators to bring creative dance into children’s lives.
Like what you said about the church needing to crumble to rediscover what it is about and who it’s for, I think the same about the education system. It’s lost it’s ways and in many countries it is not serving the children, the teachers nor the parents.
In my work, we call this non-anxious loving presence for others “holding space” for a person/s. There is sometimes something very powerful about simply witnessing another’s humanity and providing acceptance and safety for that person to be human in all our messiness. In a way it strikes me that this vocation to presence and incarnation to which some feel called is a kind of holding vigil with our own selfhood for humanity. It’s beautiful, hard, messy work. Edited to add that it makes me reflect on the connection between witnessing another's humanity by sitting with them in their experience of frailty, longing, and greif, as they are confronted by things that are overwhelming, and the practice of with-ness. At it's heart it is reflecting back to someone their inherent worth in the midst of their vulnerability. I hope that makes sense.
with-ness. I love this Madeleine.
I love that, Madeleine. I feel I do a lot of "holding space" in my work with children and parents. Can I ask what your work is?
I'm an Anglican minister, but I am on a medical leave for a few months due to a post viral neurological issue. My work, though, isn't typically institutional in the sense that I've never comprehended it as a role that defends orthodoxy or to teach people about the "right" way to live, but as a vocation to relationship and to walk with people in their suffering, and to listen deeply. It is about assisting people in discovering and experiencing their beloved-ness in God's eyes and to support them in cultivating a rich spirituality, because even though life is beautiful, it's also effing hard. I actually think that we're at point in history where the church as we know it needs to crumble and die in order to rediscover what it is about and who it is for.
I'm not sure whether the neurological condition I have is temporary or permanent, though, and if it's permanent, I need to pivot professionally. I'm thinking about mediation. That's probably more of an answer than you needed, lol!
Oh Madeleine! I wish you had been my Anglican minister as a child! I'm sending you some good energy and wish that your neurological condition resolves quickly. If not, I love that you are ready and open to pivot to what serves you and those you serve.
To walk with people in their suffering and to listen deeply...what a beautiful offering you provide. From what I’ve read of your comments, I have no doubt you will find a way to embrace and pivot if needed in response to your neurological condition. Thank you for your beautiful words. Take care. Sending love. ✨
Also, I'd love to learn what you do, too.
I work as a Montessori teacher and I also dance. I’ve married my two passions and created a service called Montessori Dance through which I offer workshops for both children and educators to bring creative dance into children’s lives.
Like what you said about the church needing to crumble to rediscover what it is about and who it’s for, I think the same about the education system. It’s lost it’s ways and in many countries it is not serving the children, the teachers nor the parents.
Wonderful!