Atlas symbolizes carrying and supporting space.

I am Floris van Bommel (1998), asked to hold space in 2024 for SHE at Ruigoord, representing warm and female energy. After first having to look up what space holding meant, pieces fell into place.

From age 5 until 18, I played football, not as the most technically skilled player, but with a strength that came through team spirit: staying grounded during matches and creating connections between teammates.

During my studies, I moved through different social contexts, connecting with a variety of people and ways of thinking. It was also during this time that personal difficulties and reflections further shaped my path. Towards the end of the studies, I focused on systems thinking, a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to understanding complex sustainability-related issues by realizing the interconnectedness of all. After this, I became familiair with the alternative scene in Amsterdam (Ruigoord, Ecstatic Dance, Fire Jams) to develop as a space holder, while working at a local supermarket where I took on the same role. After a year of holding a.o. that space, a lot was spontaneously created: massages, soup, friendships, sharing of books, cards, art and pain and life stories, laughs, dancing at the coffee machine, romance, a tennismatch against an elder, and more. One day could feel as a lifetime. 

As many complex systemic problems appear unsolvable to me, I believe our greatest gain lies in the inward journey. “What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality.”

I am also convinced that in our increasingly complex world and social systems, with humanity facing a global survival challenge, alongside an overload of information, growing (wealth)elite, digitalisation and the rise of AI, there is an increasing need for groundedness, connection, and meaning.

For example, while volunteering as a space holder for the Katapult Future Fest 2026 in Amsterdam, global key actors around sustainability and impact investors came together to connect and collaborate towards a livable future. What stood out was a lot of noise and disconnection: Many seemed strategically driven, with impressive achievements but linear thinking; to have all the information and the solutions. Communication and information sharing seemed to stem from the ego, while there was little space for genuine connection, awareness and co-creation. There seemed to be a need for openness, safety and relief, and I think that is where a space holder adds value.

Space holding means being present and participating in the background while creating a non-judgmental, compassionate, and supportive environment for connection and creation.

My long-term vision with Atlas is to create a central place around space holding: developing a methodology, creating space for knowledge sharing, trainings, workshops, and connecting our space holders around the world to initiatives for a better present and future. Starting from events within the alternative and creative scene, festivals, yoga, retreats, ceremonies, ecstatic dance, expanding towards more mainstream and organizational settings such as team-building events, workshops and conferences.

But not only event-based. Also on a individual level: for the (mentally) ill, the elderly, vulnerable, the lonely, or simply someone looking for a neutral and grounded companion. Atlas space holders are encouraged to continuously challenge and develop themselves within different contexts.

How beautiful would it be if our mission is simply just to “be” while exploring different contexts? 
To truly see and be seen within our deepest essence, and to become a spiritual guide for those open to it.