Open Awareness: Holding the Liminal Space in Transpersonal Coaching and Therapy

Holding the Space is a metaphorical container for therapeutic interaction between coach or therapist and client. The authors propose a mindful perception mode called Open Awareness, characterized by mindful perception, metacognitive introspective awareness, extrospective and somatic awareness, a reframe of personal identification leading to interconnectedness, and a fluid balance between conscious focus and peripheral awareness. Open Awareness is simple to learn and profound enough to evolve consciousness through regular practice. The process begins with shifting awareness to physical senses, expanding to subtle mental objects, and resonating with the space between people and objects. The authors advocate Open Awareness as a tool for coaches and therapists and suggest further research.

Study at a glance

Abstract

“Holding The Space” is the metaphorical container for the therapeutic interaction between the coach or therapist and client. Although the held space is largely intuitive, transpersonal practitioners who wish to teach, apply and develop its practice are faced with the challenge of reproducing it consistently and intentionally. Some important aspects of the held space include energetic resonance and rapport, a participatory perspective, mindfulness, intentionally cultivated attitudes of acceptance, compassion and interconnectedness, and induction of a state of awareness of wider perspective and receptivity. We propose a unique mode of mindful perception ideally suited to Holding The Space, called “Open Awareness”. The characteristics of this state are a mindful mode of perception; metacognitive introspective awareness; extrospective and somatic awareness; a reframe of personal identification leading to a sense of interconnectedness; and a fluid, dynamic balance between conscious focus and peripheral awareness. Open Awareness is simple enough to learn and apply quickly, and profound enough to evolve consciousness through regular practice. In general, the process begins with a shift of awareness to the physical senses, expansion and deepening to more subtle mental objects, and intentional resonance with the metaphorical space in between people and objects. The expansion of awareness is both inward (deep personal) and outward (interpersonal and transpersonal). Open Awareness is a distinct state, but shares characteristics with other disciplines such as Open Focus, Open Monitoring, Focused Attention meditation, and Focus-defocus practice. We advocate Open Awareness as a useful tool for coaches and therapists and suggest research to develop further applications. KEYWORDS Holding the Space, Transpersonal Coaching, Transpersonal Therapy, Mindfulness, Open Awareness.