Learning to hold space for the “negative” feelings of others

Growing up, I had a terrible habit of taking on the feelings of others around me. I still do but less so with self awareness, holding space, and daily practice. Of course, this is both a gift as well as a curse in some ways.

If the surrounding emotional hygiene and feelings are “good” or helpful, then it’s great.

If it’s “bad” or unhelpful, then it can be painful and emotionally draining.

The danger of taking on these “unhelpful feelings” of others is that if we are not careful, it can become our own feelings and unconsciously, influence other domains of our lives.

I wonder if you can relate or see it in the people we care for.