Excellent observations and practical action points. I wonder if it possible to hold space for our inner critique too? This behavioural response to acute stress (perceived threats) by humans exists for vital reasons of survival in dangerous situations, and it really is meant to protect us. Therefore, the brainstem gets programmed by past negative experiences, and then makes us err on the side of caution of to avoid re-experiencing these negative outcomes. In order to do this, the brainstem naturally speaks to us through a negative inner voice, using self-doubt and guilt to ensure we don't put ourselves in harms ways, at least according to its evaluations of potential threats to our own safety. Unfortunately, in the modern world we tend to be stressed a lot or most of the time, which is actually a highly unnatural situation, causing the programs of the brainstem and the associated negative inner voice to become amplified above healthy levels.
What a lovely piece. Holding space can also be reading another writer's piece especially relating emotion and personal experience. Some times when it is not appropriate to say it in person, it can still be expressed in written words and the healing might just be better in some occasion. Thank you Wendi for this piece, I enjoy it.
I work in the social service field and I am walking my dad through a huge physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual life change since we moved my mom to memory care. I hold space for others often and enjoy it. Now I need to practice doing the same for myself!
Thank you. Spot on and very uplifting. 
Excellent observations and practical action points. I wonder if it possible to hold space for our inner critique too? This behavioural response to acute stress (perceived threats) by humans exists for vital reasons of survival in dangerous situations, and it really is meant to protect us. Therefore, the brainstem gets programmed by past negative experiences, and then makes us err on the side of caution of to avoid re-experiencing these negative outcomes. In order to do this, the brainstem naturally speaks to us through a negative inner voice, using self-doubt and guilt to ensure we don't put ourselves in harms ways, at least according to its evaluations of potential threats to our own safety. Unfortunately, in the modern world we tend to be stressed a lot or most of the time, which is actually a highly unnatural situation, causing the programs of the brainstem and the associated negative inner voice to become amplified above healthy levels.
What a lovely piece. Holding space can also be reading another writer's piece especially relating emotion and personal experience. Some times when it is not appropriate to say it in person, it can still be expressed in written words and the healing might just be better in some occasion. Thank you Wendi for this piece, I enjoy it.
So true and yet I have never thought of that!
I work in the social service field and I am walking my dad through a huge physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual life change since we moved my mom to memory care. I hold space for others often and enjoy it. Now I need to practice doing the same for myself!
Thank you for sharing!