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Holding Space: Building Deep Connections with Friends, Family, and Colleagues for Resilience and Joy
Episode 517th January 2025 • Mindful Workplace Podcast • Shaun Southworth
00:00:00 01:14:37

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Host: Shaun Southworth 

Special Guest: Dr. Kia Silva 

Episode Summary: 

In this thought-provoking episode of The Mindful Workplace Podcast, Shaun Southworth dives into the transformative power of human connection and holding space. With special guest Dr. Kia Silva, a licensed psychologist and founder of Atlanta Prosper Psychological Services, they unpack how fostering meaningful relationships can anchor us during workplace challenges and life transitions.  

Whether you're facing a toxic work environment, grieving a personal loss, or simply seeking to build deeper connections, this episode offers actionable insights and inspiration. 


Episode Highlights 

What is Holding Space? 

  • Defined as creating an environment of openness and presence, free of judgment or the pressure to fix. 
  • How holding space can radically deepen relationships and foster healing. 

Breaking Through Isolation: 

  • Tips for highly sensitive or anxious individuals to overcome unintentional emotional barriers. 
  • Strategies for being fully present in conversations and interactions. 

Friendship and Connection: 

  • Key traits of a good friend: vulnerability, reliability, and nonjudgmental support. 
  • Practical ways to build adult friendships through shared activities and intentional outreach. 

Understanding Grief: 

  • Grief extends beyond losing a loved one to include identity shifts, workplace changes, and other transitions. 
  • How to process grief with self-compassion and support. 

 

Ask Shaun Southworth Anything Segment 


1. Mike from Dallas: 

  • Mike is struggling to fit in at a new workplace, often eating lunch alone and feeling excluded from workplace cliques. 

Advice: 

  • Use mindfulness techniques to cultivate awareness of the workplace environment. 
  • Notice small details about coworkers to identify conversation starters. 
  • Practice visualization by imagining positive interactions with coworkers to reduce anxiety. 
  • Be patient and compassionate with yourself—adjusting to a new workplace takes time. 

2. Ryan from Washington, D.C.: 

  • Ryan works in a toxic office where gossip and distrust are rampant, leaving him feeling isolated and paranoid. 

Advice: 

  • Focus on creating internal boundaries to protect emotional well-being. 
  • Practice the RAIN process to acknowledge and process negative emotions. 
  • Build connections outside of the workplace to counteract toxicity. 
  • Remember that boundaries and self-care are crucial for navigating toxic environments. 


3. Sophie from Atlanta: 

  • Sophie is dealing with the emotional aftermath of a breakup, which is affecting her focus and motivation at work. 

Advice: 

  • Use the RAIN process outside of work to process emotions in a structured way. 
  • Prioritize self-compassion and give yourself grace during this challenging time. 
  • Incorporate the “Five F’s” (Fitness, Friends, Focus, Faith, and Forgiveness) to rebuild resilience. 
  • At work, use mindfulness techniques like breathing and focusing on the present moment to stay grounded. 

 

Resources & Links 

 

  • Mental Health Support: 
  • 988 Crisis Line: Call or text 988 for confidential support. 
  • Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 and press 1 or text 838255. 
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741. 
  • Recommended Reading: 
  • Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach – A foundational resource on mindfulness practices. 
  • Duke University Study (Details

 

Key Takeaways 

  • Holding space requires presence and intentional listening. 
  • Connection is a biological necessity; meaningful relationships are critical for resilience. 
  • Mindfulness practices like the RAIN process can help process emotions and build boundaries. 

Engage and Stay Connected 

  • We love hearing from you! Submit your questions for our Ask Shaun Anything segment by calling or texting 404-490-2193
  • Enjoying the podcast? Leave a five-star review and share it with friends and colleagues. Your support helps us spread mindfulness to more workplaces worldwide. 
  • Follow us on Instagram (@mindfulworkplacepodcast) for more insights and strategies on thriving at work. 


Connect with Dr. Kia Silva: 



Closing Thought: 


Remember, whether you're navigating workplace stress, personal setbacks, or simply striving to be your best self, mindfulness and connection are powerful allies. 

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