Episode 5

Holding Space: Building Deep Connections with Friends, Family, and Colleagues for Resilience and Joy

Episode Number: 5 

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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Mindful Workplace Podcast
Using Mindfulness to Combat Workplace Stress

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About your host

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Shaun Southworth

Hi FRIENDS, I’m Shaun Southworth.

Welcome to The Mindful Workplace Podcast, where I help you transform your work life through mindfulness. As the founder and managing partner of Southworth PC, I bring over 15 years and 20,000 hours of experience as an employee rights attorney. I’ve successfully litigated against major governmental agencies, securing significant settlements and driving meaningful workplace changes.

Beyond legal battles, I’m a trained mindfulness practitioner. I’ve guided hundreds through hostile work environments, integrating mindfulness to help them find peace and presence amidst chaos.

Growing up in Wyoming, I became the first in my family to attend college, earning my degree from Grinnell College and later graduating from Duke University School of Law. My personal and professional challenges, including job loss, have deepened my understanding of workplace struggles.

Workplace stress affects 83% of US workers daily, leading to serious health issues and economic losses. My podcast offers practical mindfulness strategies to manage stress and enhance well-being.

Join me on The Mindful Workplace Podcast for insights, guest interviews, and practical tips to help you thrive at work through mindfulness.