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Holding Space: On Loving, Dying, and Letting Go
A hospital chaplain reflects on grief and loss, mindfulness and healing, in this “beautifully written” meditation on the spiritual, emotional, and philosophical implications of end-of-life care (Jan Chozen Bays, author of Mindfulness on the Go )
As a hospital chaplain, Amy Wright Glenn has been present with those suffering from suicide, trauma, disease, and unforeseen accidents and has been witness to the intense grief and powerful insights that so often accompany loss. She weaves together memoir, philosophical inquiry, and cutting-edge research on death/dying to chronicle how we, as individuals and as a culture, handle everything from grief to mortality.
Glenn is also a professional birth doula with a deep and committed mindfulness practice who has thought deeply about the significance of human love and loss. She asks us to embrace the task of being present with what is—through courageous and mindful expressions of compassionate presence—and helps us to accept the fact of our own mortality on a visceral and emotional level, not simply as an intellectual abstraction.
Holding Space concludes by integrating key insights drawn from working directly with the dying into a moving and compelling meditation on the healing power of “holding space” for all involved in caring for the dying, a healing sorely needed in our culture at this time.
As a hospital chaplain, Amy Wright Glenn has been present with those suffering from suicide, trauma, disease, and unforeseen accidents and has been witness to the intense grief and powerful insights that so often accompany loss. She weaves together memoir, philosophical inquiry, and cutting-edge research on death/dying to chronicle how we, as individuals and as a culture, handle everything from grief to mortality.
Glenn is also a professional birth doula with a deep and committed mindfulness practice who has thought deeply about the significance of human love and loss. She asks us to embrace the task of being present with what is—through courageous and mindful expressions of compassionate presence—and helps us to accept the fact of our own mortality on a visceral and emotional level, not simply as an intellectual abstraction.
Holding Space concludes by integrating key insights drawn from working directly with the dying into a moving and compelling meditation on the healing power of “holding space” for all involved in caring for the dying, a healing sorely needed in our culture at this time.
256 pages, Paperback
Published November 21, 2017
103 people are currently reading
974 people want to read
About the author
Amy Wright Glenn
3 books26 followersAmy Wright Glenn earned her MA in Religion and Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She taught for eleven years in the Religion and Philosophy Department at The Lawrenceville School in New Jersey earning the Dunbar Abston Jr. Chair for Teaching Excellence.
Amy is a regular contributor to PhillyVoice and has written for Holistic Parenting Magazine, International Doula Magazine, and Philly.com. She is a Kripalu Yoga teacher, Birthing Mama® Prenatal Yoga and Wellness Teacher Trainer, (CD)DONA birth doula, hospital chaplain, and founder of the Institute for the Study of Birth, Breath, and Death.
Amy is a regular contributor to PhillyVoice and has written for Holistic Parenting Magazine, International Doula Magazine, and Philly.com. She is a Kripalu Yoga teacher, Birthing Mama® Prenatal Yoga and Wellness Teacher Trainer, (CD)DONA birth doula, hospital chaplain, and founder of the Institute for the Study of Birth, Breath, and Death.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
November 28, 2017
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. It was published November 21, 2017.
I had very personal reasons to read this book. Last year as I was trying to process my own grief from my own experiences and the terminal diagnosis my father received, I met with a chaplain on our campus who used the term "holding space." I was nervous about talking to someone, but knew I needed to, and it something I was glad I did. I've read many books about grief, even spent an entire podcast episode discussing books on grief and how reading can help you through a tough time. The people who were there for me had a powerful impact, and the space they held for me allowed me to hold space for others in the days leading up to and after my father's death. Yes, I too was grieving, but there was also this space. So when I saw this book come across the NetGalley listings, I knew I wanted to know more.
Amy Wright Glenn is a former Mormon who went on to study comparative religion, and works as a doula and hospital chaplain. She writes about the importance of holding space in various moments of grief, and not only at the end of life - loss of pregnancies, stillbirth, when a family member is injured, cancer diagnoses, and so on. She discusses the importance of her own meditation practice in developing the grounding and strength that allows her to hold this space for others.
What I wasn't expecting, but enjoyed, was a parallel discussion of her Mormon upbringing, how the LDS teachings form her background if not her beliefs, and how those ideas intersect with many other religions. I don't often get to read former Mormon narratives that aren't completely villainizing what they've left behind, and it was interesting to learn about.
I have some interest in this idea of the grief doula. I know people who volunteer for hospice and other things outside of their "real" jobs. This is a book I would want to return to, at the very least to check out her recommended reading.
I had very personal reasons to read this book. Last year as I was trying to process my own grief from my own experiences and the terminal diagnosis my father received, I met with a chaplain on our campus who used the term "holding space." I was nervous about talking to someone, but knew I needed to, and it something I was glad I did. I've read many books about grief, even spent an entire podcast episode discussing books on grief and how reading can help you through a tough time. The people who were there for me had a powerful impact, and the space they held for me allowed me to hold space for others in the days leading up to and after my father's death. Yes, I too was grieving, but there was also this space. So when I saw this book come across the NetGalley listings, I knew I wanted to know more.
Amy Wright Glenn is a former Mormon who went on to study comparative religion, and works as a doula and hospital chaplain. She writes about the importance of holding space in various moments of grief, and not only at the end of life - loss of pregnancies, stillbirth, when a family member is injured, cancer diagnoses, and so on. She discusses the importance of her own meditation practice in developing the grounding and strength that allows her to hold this space for others.
What I wasn't expecting, but enjoyed, was a parallel discussion of her Mormon upbringing, how the LDS teachings form her background if not her beliefs, and how those ideas intersect with many other religions. I don't often get to read former Mormon narratives that aren't completely villainizing what they've left behind, and it was interesting to learn about.
I have some interest in this idea of the grief doula. I know people who volunteer for hospice and other things outside of their "real" jobs. This is a book I would want to return to, at the very least to check out her recommended reading.
October 13, 2017
"And to hold space well requires a willingness to accept and integrate our own anger, regret, and sorrow. It obliges us to honestly apologize when our actions cause harm, and and to fearlessly own the darkest corners of our life's stories. In doing so, we gain the capacity to be present for others as the journey."
Wow, I just want to say Wow. The Author of this book is such an eloquent writer. I could quote her throughout my entire review. I love her thoughts on death and dying as many of her reflections and thoughts are similar to my own. She has a way with words and a way with people. She holds the hands of the living as their loved ones pass away.
The book begins with the Author telling the reader about her religious upbringing and how she arrived at her current religious/spiritual belief system. I enjoyed this part as I did when she shared how she must often put aside her own personal issues, beliefs, etc. in order to be present, to be mindful and to be compassionate to those who need her.
This is a memoir but also an instructional manual for those in assisting those during the dying process. I think this book would be perfect for those who work in hospitals, hospices, nursing homes, are social workers, member of clergy, and even families who are dealing with a terminal loved one or a sudden loss of a loved one's life.
"We stand together in the presence of fear and death. We stand together in tears."
As a hospital Chaplain, Amy Wright Green has been present with those suffering from loss. Her life is not entirely about loss. She is also a birth Doula. She witnesses birth, death and everything in between.Her book is her mindful approach, of having a compassionate presence and to accept death as part of life. Because that is exactly what it is. We are all going to die. That is a fact. Many like to walk around and ignore that fact. But we are all going to die, we will witness those we love pass away, loss will affect all us (if it hasn't already). We need to discuss death. We should all discuss how death affects us and what we would like done upon our own death. It's important and it helps those left behind.
I had to take a class on death and dying for my degree. It was a requirement. It was one of my favorite classes. Sound morbid? It was not. I found it to be a beautiful, insightful and deeply moving course. I learned how various cultures view death, their religious practices in regards to death and funerals, how to counsel someone who is dying as well as those who are losing or have lost a loved one. For my paper, I interviewed my Grandfather who was dying of Cancer. It was a deeply profound experience. My paper was read at his funeral and every member of my family requested a copy. I learned things about my grandfather, his thoughts on Cancer, his own experiences with death as a child, as a soldier during WWII and as an adult. We discussed his beliefs on death and what his expectations were. I feel blessed to have had that time with him.
I sat with my Grandmother while she was dying as did my entire family. When she was able we talked. Again, a blessing to be able to say goodbye. My son was also able to be there to say goodbye to her. I viewed this as an important part of his life. He was also able to say goodbye to his other great grandmother as well. Again, it was important for him to be there. I want him to know that death is part of life. That saying goodbye can be a beautiful yet sad time.
"Children have the right to mourn, bury dead fish and lizards, attend the funerals of those they love, and have their questions about death and dying answered in honest and age appropriate ways,"
I thought this book was quite beautiful. I love her insights, her experiences and her mindful approach to death and dying. We need to be present. We need to embrace the process. Death, like birth, affects us all. We cannot hide under a rock and hope it passes over us. We must acknowledge it with grace, dignity and compassion.
"Grief isn't something to manage efficiently. It's not an illness."
In short, this is a memoir but it is also a beautiful look at how she assisted those during the death and dying process. She shows us how to take what is offered in this book, how to use it, how to hold space. This book is beautifully written and there were so many parts that I highlighted. Her writing and message are illuminating. I found her approach to be very comforting and calming. I appreciated how she talked with her child when their pet fish died. This book is extremely thought provoking, personal and insightful.
I received a copy of this book from Parallax press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
See more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
Wow, I just want to say Wow. The Author of this book is such an eloquent writer. I could quote her throughout my entire review. I love her thoughts on death and dying as many of her reflections and thoughts are similar to my own. She has a way with words and a way with people. She holds the hands of the living as their loved ones pass away.
The book begins with the Author telling the reader about her religious upbringing and how she arrived at her current religious/spiritual belief system. I enjoyed this part as I did when she shared how she must often put aside her own personal issues, beliefs, etc. in order to be present, to be mindful and to be compassionate to those who need her.
This is a memoir but also an instructional manual for those in assisting those during the dying process. I think this book would be perfect for those who work in hospitals, hospices, nursing homes, are social workers, member of clergy, and even families who are dealing with a terminal loved one or a sudden loss of a loved one's life.
"We stand together in the presence of fear and death. We stand together in tears."
As a hospital Chaplain, Amy Wright Green has been present with those suffering from loss. Her life is not entirely about loss. She is also a birth Doula. She witnesses birth, death and everything in between.Her book is her mindful approach, of having a compassionate presence and to accept death as part of life. Because that is exactly what it is. We are all going to die. That is a fact. Many like to walk around and ignore that fact. But we are all going to die, we will witness those we love pass away, loss will affect all us (if it hasn't already). We need to discuss death. We should all discuss how death affects us and what we would like done upon our own death. It's important and it helps those left behind.
I had to take a class on death and dying for my degree. It was a requirement. It was one of my favorite classes. Sound morbid? It was not. I found it to be a beautiful, insightful and deeply moving course. I learned how various cultures view death, their religious practices in regards to death and funerals, how to counsel someone who is dying as well as those who are losing or have lost a loved one. For my paper, I interviewed my Grandfather who was dying of Cancer. It was a deeply profound experience. My paper was read at his funeral and every member of my family requested a copy. I learned things about my grandfather, his thoughts on Cancer, his own experiences with death as a child, as a soldier during WWII and as an adult. We discussed his beliefs on death and what his expectations were. I feel blessed to have had that time with him.
I sat with my Grandmother while she was dying as did my entire family. When she was able we talked. Again, a blessing to be able to say goodbye. My son was also able to be there to say goodbye to her. I viewed this as an important part of his life. He was also able to say goodbye to his other great grandmother as well. Again, it was important for him to be there. I want him to know that death is part of life. That saying goodbye can be a beautiful yet sad time.
"Children have the right to mourn, bury dead fish and lizards, attend the funerals of those they love, and have their questions about death and dying answered in honest and age appropriate ways,"
I thought this book was quite beautiful. I love her insights, her experiences and her mindful approach to death and dying. We need to be present. We need to embrace the process. Death, like birth, affects us all. We cannot hide under a rock and hope it passes over us. We must acknowledge it with grace, dignity and compassion.
"Grief isn't something to manage efficiently. It's not an illness."
In short, this is a memoir but it is also a beautiful look at how she assisted those during the death and dying process. She shows us how to take what is offered in this book, how to use it, how to hold space. This book is beautifully written and there were so many parts that I highlighted. Her writing and message are illuminating. I found her approach to be very comforting and calming. I appreciated how she talked with her child when their pet fish died. This book is extremely thought provoking, personal and insightful.
I received a copy of this book from Parallax press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
See more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
July 10, 2018
I feel conflicted about writing a negative review, but I was very disappointed in this book. I'm conflicted, because this writer does important work. I was also so excited to finally crack it open. I've had it checked out from the library for about two months and finally picked it up to read as I sit with someone I love as they die. I have been a doula for many years and attended over a hundred births. I'm currently a graduate student studying social work with a passion for reproductive justice. I'm also drawn to supporting those who are dying as well as their loved ones. It seemed this book was written just for me. However, I found the writing trite and at times overly apologetic (or perhaps false self effacing or inauthentic...). The tips for professionals were reiterations of the pillars of therapeutic support: empathic response, self-awareness, and countertransference. I was disappointed that I could not find a statement that clients/patients provided permission for the retelling of their intimate interactions. Giving the sacredness of these experiences, I was shocked not to see this acknowledged. Glad this topic is being discussed and published, and I appreciated learning about scholars and theorists exploring this work.
October 13, 2018
Writing about death is writing about life. Just as each moment is a beginning, it is also an ending.
~~Amy Wright Glenn
A beautiful book that weaves memoir with gentle guidance on how to hold space for grief: yours, other people, and the dying.
The book opens with Amy and her young son visiting her dying father. The book ends with a gentle ode to her mother, whom she hasn't spoken to in 20 years. Once you see these bookends, everything in the middle is a tender ode to grief, mindfulness, death, birth, letting go, and breathing.
Amy offers online workshops from her The Institute of the Study of Birth, Breath, and Death. I took the Loving,Dying, and Letting go offering while halfway through the book and it was a worthy endeavor.
~~Amy Wright Glenn
A beautiful book that weaves memoir with gentle guidance on how to hold space for grief: yours, other people, and the dying.
The book opens with Amy and her young son visiting her dying father. The book ends with a gentle ode to her mother, whom she hasn't spoken to in 20 years. Once you see these bookends, everything in the middle is a tender ode to grief, mindfulness, death, birth, letting go, and breathing.
Amy offers online workshops from her The Institute of the Study of Birth, Breath, and Death. I took the Loving,Dying, and Letting go offering while halfway through the book and it was a worthy endeavor.
January 17, 2024
Beautiful memoir. Resonated with my life-loving, death-respecting, former Mormon, current doula self.
July 9, 2019
This is a beautiful, powerful and inspiring book. A guide to help us all face death and to companion those who are dying with grace and courage.
March 14, 2018
A total gem, this one. The book isn't a heady walk through an academic thesis, but it's an easy and lovely read - weirdly, I found it hard to put down. I think it's because the author uses a ton of stories and personal experiences with death and dying that really stick with you as a reader and compel you to turn the next page, and that goes along way for getting her message across. Which I am still unsure what exactly that message is, I somehow know more now about death and dying and how to hold space for suffering while not being ourselves engulfed by it. We are being asked to go through someone's hell with them, and that requires a lot of personal work to keep from being triggered. But we aren't asked to endure through someone's hell inevitably - so it also requires a strong understanding of boundaries.
I liked the author's personal stories about how she formed a new religious idea outside of the Mormonism she grew up in, that was really helpful in learning how she came to her own practices of meditation. The author is also very diplomatic about "god" and is obviously comfortable with many different religious point of views without being threatened. I appreciated this a lot.
I am not sure how to put my finger on it, but the author sometimes comes across as too perfect. She only ever feels LOVE for the child she co-sleeps with and her lifestyle might be hard to relate to for some who are unfamiliar with her point of view.
If you have no idea how to hold space for someone or are unfamiliar with even the terms 'holding space,' this will be very educational. If you are familiar with it and have your own practice, this will be a very good refresher.
I liked the author's personal stories about how she formed a new religious idea outside of the Mormonism she grew up in, that was really helpful in learning how she came to her own practices of meditation. The author is also very diplomatic about "god" and is obviously comfortable with many different religious point of views without being threatened. I appreciated this a lot.
I am not sure how to put my finger on it, but the author sometimes comes across as too perfect. She only ever feels LOVE for the child she co-sleeps with and her lifestyle might be hard to relate to for some who are unfamiliar with her point of view.
If you have no idea how to hold space for someone or are unfamiliar with even the terms 'holding space,' this will be very educational. If you are familiar with it and have your own practice, this will be a very good refresher.
October 30, 2017
Having requested and received this book from Netgalley I had no real idea of what to expect or indeed what my expectations were. Amy Wright Glenn utilises her experiences as a birth doula and a hospital chaplain to lay out some extremely good advice which is often thought provoking in the extreme. I found some of the examples she uses to illustrate a point very emotional but also necessary.
There is a lot for birth doulas, which I do not believe we have in the UK, to take on board but the area I found most useful was suggestions and advice for how we can best hold space, or walk an empathic path with another who is grieving without actually trying to 'cure'them as of course grief is a natural and necessary emotion following a loss of any kind.. This is a very spiritual and also practical look at end of life care and how it has become institutionalised, which perhaps has led to a greater fear of death than was once the norm. I am glad to have found this book and I am sure I will return to it as and when I feel it is necessary.
There is a lot for birth doulas, which I do not believe we have in the UK, to take on board but the area I found most useful was suggestions and advice for how we can best hold space, or walk an empathic path with another who is grieving without actually trying to 'cure'them as of course grief is a natural and necessary emotion following a loss of any kind.. This is a very spiritual and also practical look at end of life care and how it has become institutionalised, which perhaps has led to a greater fear of death than was once the norm. I am glad to have found this book and I am sure I will return to it as and when I feel it is necessary.
August 20, 2021
In the spring of 2020, I had the curious experience of being present for both a birth and a death within a short span of time. The birth was of my son on a rainy summer solstice morning and the death was of my father with a setting sun a few weeks prior. For months afterwards, I struggled to make sense of the events in relation to each other, feeling a strange transformation in having experienced both in close proximity, all the while wondering whether it even made sense to hold the two in comparison.
Enter “Holding Space: On Loving, Dying, and Letting Go.” While most have heard of “birth doulas,” few realize that there are trained “death doulas” ready to perform the same essential work at the end of our lives. “Holding Space” explicates these practices, exploring meditation, mindfulness, companioning, and the role of spirituality in dying. The text ought not just be considered required-reading for those looking to become death doulas, however. It is an essential read for anyone looking to move more mindfully on the path of life from birth until death.
Enter “Holding Space: On Loving, Dying, and Letting Go.” While most have heard of “birth doulas,” few realize that there are trained “death doulas” ready to perform the same essential work at the end of our lives. “Holding Space” explicates these practices, exploring meditation, mindfulness, companioning, and the role of spirituality in dying. The text ought not just be considered required-reading for those looking to become death doulas, however. It is an essential read for anyone looking to move more mindfully on the path of life from birth until death.
September 10, 2022
I’ve had this book on my shelf for a while now and something about the autumnal cover made me pull it down and crack it open yesterday. But then I could not put it down; I devoured it in one sitting.
That’s not the norm for me on books that I’d classify as Death Education. “Holding Space” is a little different though and a lot special; Amy Wright Glenn artfully blends memoir, spirituality, death and birth doula education with snippets of her work as a hospital chaplain. Each chapter seamlessly streams into the next as Glenn challenges us to consider what our own practice of remaining present and holding space, for ourselves and others, will look like. This book is intensely readable, shines with hard-earned wisdom, and feels steeped in the sacredness that birth, breath, death, and grief foster.
As Lee Webster eloquently wrote, “Amy Wright Glenn knows what it means to hold space for both sorrow and joy. This is essential reading for those choosing to follow their vocation to be with the dying and the dead with compassion, mindfulness, and presence.” IG:@the.farewell.library
That’s not the norm for me on books that I’d classify as Death Education. “Holding Space” is a little different though and a lot special; Amy Wright Glenn artfully blends memoir, spirituality, death and birth doula education with snippets of her work as a hospital chaplain. Each chapter seamlessly streams into the next as Glenn challenges us to consider what our own practice of remaining present and holding space, for ourselves and others, will look like. This book is intensely readable, shines with hard-earned wisdom, and feels steeped in the sacredness that birth, breath, death, and grief foster.
As Lee Webster eloquently wrote, “Amy Wright Glenn knows what it means to hold space for both sorrow and joy. This is essential reading for those choosing to follow their vocation to be with the dying and the dead with compassion, mindfulness, and presence.” IG:@the.farewell.library
January 1, 2024
I saved this book as a “to read” a year or so ago, as a way to better support my patients’ life transitions and personal losses. Then this year my dad had a stroke, went to hospice, and passed away in the span of about two months. I rediscovered this book and found the time to read it, and I’m very glad I did. I think this is such an important book to help guide us to look at our shared human condition. Though we may have diverse beliefs in personal faiths and spirituality, we share the same beautiful journey as human beings, and we share the inevitable pain that is part of that condition. I truly think any person alive could find truth and benefit from reading this book. I hope anyone on their own journey of grief can find validation and deeper personal understanding as I did in reading this book.
May 8, 2019
Amy’s words, thoughts, experiences and lessons are phenomenal. As a birth doula, I appreciated the way her book dove into all the different faces of death and how we can effectively companion those who are in or touched by death. I feel much better prepared to face a perinatal Loss now that I’ve read this book, and I highly recommend this to any professional who may need to call upon the skills and experience brought through this book. Side note: Amy’s Holding Space for Pregnancy Loss workshop/training was extraordinary. If you enjoyed this book, you’ll find so much value in her training.
May 20, 2024
Maybe 4.5 stars. This book is tender, warm, velvety, and deep. Not deep in that it’s hard to understand, but deep in the complexity of the themes discussed. It reminded me of a particular almond cake I make- classy, simple, understated, but makes you keep thinking about it long after you’ve finished it. (That recipe can be found here: https://www.tastesoflizzyt.com/almond... )
It was also one of the rare books about life and death, written by a religious person, that didn’t get preachy. That alone makes it remarkable.
It was also one of the rare books about life and death, written by a religious person, that didn’t get preachy. That alone makes it remarkable.
May 14, 2020
A book all about grief and how to respond to it when we see it in others. You don't need to fix someone's grief or make things better. It's not always appropriate to try to relate or let your own "hungry ghosts"/ unresolved emotions and experiences seep in when you are trying to be there for someone else. Sometimes just being present and listening are where we need to start.
Filled with intense stories from Glenn's personal life as well as from her work as a birth doula and a chaplain.
Filled with intense stories from Glenn's personal life as well as from her work as a birth doula and a chaplain.
May 2, 2022
holding space is hard
As a terminally Ill cancer patient (I have stage IV metastatic breast cancer), I’ve had to learn this practice on the job, so to speak. I’ve been a lawyer since 2002 and a helper and a fixer. This change has been hard. This book is an amazing blueprint and a challenge for those of us who need a mind and heart shift to get away from imposing on others who need our presence.
As a terminally Ill cancer patient (I have stage IV metastatic breast cancer), I’ve had to learn this practice on the job, so to speak. I’ve been a lawyer since 2002 and a helper and a fixer. This change has been hard. This book is an amazing blueprint and a challenge for those of us who need a mind and heart shift to get away from imposing on others who need our presence.
July 11, 2019
I read this book as a part of an online course given by the author, Amy Wright Glenn. This is topic of great interest to me. As I practice holding space, I find I want to learn as much as I can about how to truly be present. Amy's open-hearted and authentic voice offers a very readable book, with plenty of examples. I recommend this book as well as her online course, Loving, Dying and Letting Go.
September 5, 2022
I read this book as part of my postpartum doula training through DONA. Part memoir and part cultural exploration, the author advocates for "companioning" at the thresholds of birth and death. While I didn't find it revelatory, I'm taking away the significance of careful listening and becoming aware of one's own fears and shadows when working with others in struggles.
December 26, 2017
A good starter book on what it means to "hold space" for others through dying or other major losses. Love is the key - the bridge between birth and death. The book certainly compels me to read more on becoming a death doula.
October 9, 2022
A good book explaining t he inpoerance of conpanioning and holding space for someone. With anecdotes to demonstrate. I'd have like a little more in depth analysis/ explanation of the key concepts though.
October 13, 2022
Maybe 3.5 stars? I most enjoyed the more memoir style parts of this book. I couldn’t help but feel there was a little more telling than showing at parts and craved even more story. By all means not a bad book, but maybe not the first book I would jump to recommend for EOL considerations.
April 17, 2023
Certainly one of the better books on being a "death doula" I've read. Lots of personal stories and history but thankfully they are mostly short. Introduces many hard questions we need to ask ourselves and each other. Not a very fast read, but not a slog either.
January 1, 2018
I'm intrigued by the concept of "holding space," trying to be with someone with empathy without trying to solve their problem, so this book and her doula/chaplain/former Mormon take on the concept was a nice place to start.
April 14, 2018
This is an exquisite meditation on what it means to hold space. A must read for anyone interested in the subject and should read for all humans.
January 27, 2019
Filled with love and wisdom. I recommend it to anyone interested in looking more closely at the beauty of birth and death.
May 21, 2019
Beautifully written + full of both wisdom and practical resources for compassion/companioning work.
January 19, 2020
Incredibly helpful, calming, and mindful. I use the phrase holding space often now. And it makes complete sense for the moment.
Read
October 29, 2020Once I started reading this book I couldn't put it down until it was finished. Helped me in hosting ecstatic dance.
November 21, 2020
I love the concept and overall idea but the actual book did not hit home for me.
July 20, 2021
Definitely worth the read.
Important lessons and insight.
A gentle introduction to get more familiar with death and dying.
I really enjoyed it.
Important lessons and insight.
A gentle introduction to get more familiar with death and dying.
I really enjoyed it.
April 12, 2022
I don't normally highlight and annotate books but this one I did. I'll continue to reference this book again and again when I need guidance and perspective. Absolutely brilliant
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews