Dear Susan,
This is a significant question. Indeed the ancient practice does allow for holding someone else. This is an advanced stage in the practice, generally taught to elders as they were preparing to be initiated as an Elder of the Water.
Non-elders can do this too, if you are feeling called to do so; however,
I encourage you to read this completely before you do, because as you have wisely pointed out, the way in which this done can make a big difference for the individual you are helping.
Here are the steps taught to the elders when they felt the call to hold someone.
1) Before holding others in the sacred womb of compassion, it is recommended that you develop a deep and strong practice of being able to hold yourself. As your own woundedness melts away, you are clearing out your own limits and attachments, readying yourself to be a pure vessel/womb, through which others may experience their own transcendence of limits into spiritual freedom.
2) As our Elders of the Water Ceremonies have discovered, it is quite important to have no attachments to outcomes when holding someone else in the sacred womb of our awareness. In this way, as an individual (or group of people) is being held, there is adequate space for their own souls or consciousness to recreate themselves in sacred awareness and unfolding. We are simply the container of compassion. The transformation occurs within them, and therefore the issue then transforms, if they choose to allow that to happen in the safe harbor of our container/womb.
3) In this practice, we are not praying for, holding an intention for, or directing an outcome. The person usually comes with a pressing issue. We can be mindful of the issue, but most of all we are not trying to transform the issue. We are quite simply holding the individual in compassion, without judgment or attachment to outcome, so that they are in the best environment possible to transform themselves. This is a powerful aspect of the meditation because it is pure feminine energy. This is the essence of the Sacred and Divine Feminine. In this space, transformations for people can be profound.
4) Elders learn to hold open their energetic field with an invitation to hold in compassion those who wish to receive that support, and then observe who enters their field to be held. We do not reach out to people or attempt to persuade them to enter our field. Again, invitation is key because it is the energy of Divine Feminine. When an individual chooses to step into our field, they come willingly, and are welcomed in our loving compassion.
5) This is a silent practice, again fully embracing the Sacred Feminine. We are not directing anyone in thought or word. They get to bathe in our silent field of love, so that their own sacred thoughts—their own deeper truth—can arise.
Here is an image you can use:
Think of yourself as a loving, compassionate mother, holding her arms wide open for anyone who would like to receive a hug. The loved one approaches you if they would like to be hugged by you. As this mother, you say nothing. Even your thoughts are quiet. Your heart is full of compassion. In your arms there is only acceptance, understanding and love. Silently, you hold this loved one until they feel renewed within themselves and are ready to venture into the word once again.The gift of holding someone in the Divine Feminine is simple, profound and very powerful!
Let me know how it goes for you!
For ways you can bring your Sacred Feminine energy into physical action, read our Forums, Community Event Listings article about Volunteer Ideas for Busy People on Martin Luther King Day: http://newdreamfoundation.com/forums/index.php/topic,631.0.htmlBig Hugs,
Reverend Misa
May love, compassion and truth prevail.