Freely Held

A small pocket of the world where care circulates freely

Hands on alternating sides of a tree in a forest.

Freely Held is a quiet circle where support flows naturally, and care moves in many forms - through presence, generosity, or simply showing up. Rooted in the gift economy, it is freely given, not β€œfree” in the transactional sense: an invitation to step outside market logic and enter a relationship of trust and reciprocity. Every session, conversation, and gesture exists because people in this community give, receive, and circulate care, keeping the circle alive and sustaining its gentle flow.

There’s no requirement, no proof of worthiness - only the invitation to be present, receive fully, and, when it feels right, let care move forward in ways that resonate. This is not a transaction. It’s a shared pocket of the world where support circulates because it is needed, not because it is earned.

If you’ve ever thought, β€œI could really use support,” this space was made for you. You’re already part of the circle simply by being here.

Receive support
The backs of four people standing side by side holding each other around the waist.

🀲 Care as a shared practice

Freely Held is a living circle of care, held in trust and nurtured by the gift economy - where generosity flows through every act of giving and receiving. Care moves in many forms: some receive, some offer support through presence, generosity, financial contributions, or shared skills - and many do both at different times. Each gesture nourishes the circle, keeping the flow of care alive.

You’re invited to participate in ways that feel right for you:

  • Offer what moves you. Whether through presence, generosity, financial support, or gifting a session to someone in need, each act sustains this circle of care.

  • Let care ripple outward. If someone in your life might feel supported by this work, you can share my website, Substack, or socials to help them find their way here.

  • Help the circle grow. You can print flyers and post them in your neighborhood - at coffee shops, bookstores, or co-ops - to help this work reach others who might need it.

  • Carry generosity into your world. Small acts - a listening ear, a kind word, a moment of presence - all become part of the same flow of care.

Every contribution, in whatever form, helps ensure that healing is held, not withheld.

Make a single offering to support Freely Held and help care circulate for all. Every gift, in any form, nourishes the circle and keeps this community thriving.

Ripple - $25
Current - $50
Stream - $100
River - $150
Gift a Session - $200

Sustain the flow of care with a monthly offering - flexible and cancelable at any time. Your ongoing generosity helps maintain an open, welcoming space where support is freely given and shared.

Gentle Flow - $25/month
Steady Current - $50/month
Sustaining Stream - $100/month
Endless River - $150/month
Gift a Session Monthly - $200/month

Contribute any amount through Venmo to help sustain the flow of care and keep support freely offered in our community.

Venmo: @heldbyhelen
(click or scan below)

Heart

πŸ“Š Ongoing accountability & transparency

Each month, we witness the flow of care - the sessions shared freely and the contributions offered through community generosity. Sharing this flow allows us all to see the gift economy in action. Transparency nurtures trust, and trust is what sustains a circle of care.

  • June 2025: 6 sessions shared freely

  • July 2025: 9 sessions shared freely, $400 contributed through community generosity

  • August 2025: 5 sessions shared freely, $200 contributed through community generosity

  • September 2025: 12 sessions shared freely, $200 contributed through community generosity

  • October 2025: 4 sessions shared freely