I am reminded that pain, loss and trauma are universal.

We experience pain, loss and trauma as individuals… and as a collective. Across different ethnicities, mobs, clans, families… and as a country.  In my opinion, when the individual hurts, so does the collective. It goes both ways.

I think the responsibility for ‘healing’ is universal. Our authorities are responsible for guiding us and ensuring authentic wellness opportunities are accessible through support, legislation, and strong leadership.

Communities and families need to look after each other too. This means offering and giving support and reaching out for support when needed.

For some people, it can be difficult knowing where to get support or finding the right counsellor or healer. This is why checking-in, or pointing our mates and loved ones in the right direction (to a GP or other healing support) can be a lifesaver.

‘Holding space’ for each other may be the key to helping us heal as a country, community, family, or individual.

What is holding space?

Holding space is when we are physically, mentally and emotionally present for someone, as they experience their feelings.

Holding space is about being with someone without judgement and not trying to ‘fix’ them.

We can hold space in our families, with mates, with loved ones, and with people we cross paths with as they share their experiences and stories.

Sometimes it is just sitting with someone and listening. We can focus on their story, ‘listen to understand’, temporarily putting our own needs and opinions to the side.

What do you think would happen if we all tried to ‘hold space’ for each other more often? How would this affect our relationships, families, communities, and our world?

Sometimes we may need to look outside our family, friends and loved ones to be heard without judgement and for someone to ‘hold space’ for us. And that’s ok too.

The work at Authentic State supports people to move forward from pain, loss and trauma. We can also 'hold space' for you.

image credit: Patrick Hendry