The home-hospice nurse who frequently came to visit during Dad's last weeks must have been trained in this practice or understood it intuitively. She was so good at listening and being supportive, for both of us.

Sitting at the kitchen table, I once asked her how she could cope with her job, being that all of her patients are near death.

She gave an answer that sounded very much like what you're calling "holding space"

She said that being able to do that for people makes her feel fulfilled and positive.

I can see that. But I still don't think I'd be strong enough to do her job.