Do we really need a safe space?
Hello everyone 
In an often intolerant world, having a safe space to go to is incredibly important for maintaining good mental health. A safe space is a place—physical or virtual—you can go to relax and recharge. A judgment-free zone where you can let your guard down and truly be yourself.
What is of more value to you, a safe place in mind or a physical safe place?
Is there a place in the world that you feel most represents who you are?
Where do you feel most centered and happy?
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@amiablePeace77 What is of more value to you, a safe place in mind or a physical safe place?
I have not found a physical safe place that was not interrupted by troubles of one kind or another so I guess I have to vote for a safe space in the mind without judgment and anger.
@soulsings
Wish you would also have this special physical place soul but a safe space in the mind is the one always with us when we use the "special" key to access it.
I’m unable to find a safe space in my mind. Seems everywhere I want to be safe has some type of trauma associated with it. So, I need a physical safe place. Currently that would be my tiny apartment. I own my house but choose the tiny apartment, downstairs, because the small area feels safe.
@yzzil
I am so sorry that trauma follows you everywhere, hugs. Glad you have that small area in your house to retreat somewhere. I find smaller spaces feel simply cozier, are easier to overlook too.
@amiablePeace77
Ami wow this is a great simple community discussion!! Good job
thank you
What is of more value to you, a safe place in mind or a physical safe place? I think for me it be my mind as all around me can be in chaos-but I can always escape into my mind for just a bit.
Is there a place in the world that you feel most represents who you are? I do not know the answer to this one
Where do you feel most centered and happy? In my home, at work, at friends homes, almost any where
@RumpleSteeleSkin
With all the hussle and bussle it's good to be able to withdraw into your mind space for a while, glad you learned this skill!
@amiablePeace77
Thanks Ami but it is a skill I am still working with. I wish I could find that safe place physically. But that to one day can be worked on
@RumpleSteeleSkin
I hope the new place will give you that physical space
I think a physical safe place is valuable because it helps me switch off from what is stressing me out by changing my surroundings. I have a zen area in my room where I go to do this. Although, having a safe space in your mind is important too if you have no where to escape to. Mindfulness does help me with that but I do struggle with stopping all the chatter in my mind. I can't think of a place that represents me but I think Hawaii looks peaceful to visit. I am the most centered in the garden.
@Harmony8682
Wonderful that you created such a mindfulness place in your room, being in such a calm and inspiring environment is surely helpful. I hope that mindfulness practice helps you to slow down racing thoughts, let go of negativity, and calm both your mind and body. Hope this video is helpful to you
https://Mindful Exercise For Overcoming Racing Thoughts and Anxiety https://youtu.be/6iR2Yw8gBIo
Agree about Hawaii, never been there but the photos look amazingly relaxing
Thank you for the link I will have a go at the exercise.😃
A physical uncluttered safe space helps me find the place in my mind.
@barncat. I wish I was uncluttered lol
@barncat
I hear you, an organized place helps with relaxation.
I think having both is super important. Having a safe space mentally results from being around a safe environment where you can express yourself and feel authentically you. When you express your need for listeners and get that support it encourages positive self talk and quiets a lot of the noise in your head, which gives way for a safe mental space. A place I feel represented is in group chats like the sharing circle and with my siblings. I come from a big family, so everyone of my siblings have a kind of mental illness. Whether an addiction or bipolar. When we get together and express ourselves through communication we feel heard and represented. Same as being in virtual group sharing spaces, like the one in 7 Cups. When I first started I was just a member listening in. Seeing all the support and hearing all the stories showed how much people you can relate to and how much support you get by sharing your story. I feel most centred and happy at home with my dog. I live alone due to needed space because of growing up in a dysfunctional home. When I’m out and about sometimes it can take it’s toll. Being stuck in traffic or in a line up with a grumpy person huffing and puffing behind my neck. When I’m home with my pup, I feel at peace and one with myself. My dog is a really happy dog and calm (when he wants to be). Its what keeps me centred.
@Onlyonefollower
It must have been hard for you to grow up, hugs. I can see that having a safe space now is even more important since you might never have experienced what it means to feel really safe whilst living in a disfunctional home.
I am very glad that you find comfort and support in the group chats as well as with your siblings and dog.
Yes. Thank you for understanding :)
@amiablePeace77
Hiya peace 💙
What is of more value to you, a safe place in mind or a physical safe place?
Idk that 1 is more than the other. I have 2 physical places that are ig safe places
Is there a place in the world that you feel most represents who you are?
Hmm ima not sure how to answer this but I've always felt drawn to the water and Viennese Italy
Where do you feel most centered and happy?
With Family
@Fireskye1
Having a family in which you feel centered can be a game changer in life. It can make life so much easier knowing there are people who can "catch" you but good you have your own physcial safe spaces too.
Vienna is very beautiful and full of art and history!
Hi @amiablePeace77.
Answering your questions:
What is of more value to you, a safe place in mind or a physical safe place?
I believe both are important. That's because the body houses the mind. It's hard for the mind to get a safe space, unless it has the circumstances to.
Is there a place in the world that you feel most represents who you are?
A meditation retreat. Or a library. Calm and silent places for thoughts.
Where do you feel most centered and happy?
I feel most happy when I am at my desk, wokring early morning.
@alphav7
Meditation retreats and libraries are definitively great places to find stillness.
@amiablePeace77
For me -- I need safe space. Its space like you said " a judgement freezone" where one can be truly their natural self.
More valuable out of safe place in mind OR a physical place at the moment will be physical safe place. If my nearby physical space is safe then automaticaly my mind starts feeling safe.
A place in the world that I feel most represents myself have to be anywhere with NATURE .I really like to spend time in nature be it garden,beaches, mountains etc.Its simply rejuvenating to just be there.
Currently I feel most centered and happy in the nature.
@intuitiveChestnut6652
I agree, it's much easier to feel safe in a physically safe environment, although sadly this is not always possible for everyone. I admire people feeling still safe in challenging environments, knowing they can deal with it which creates safety too.
I can fully relate to feeling safe in nature, my own garden is my safe place.
It is interesting and comforting to see the wide variety of answers and thoughts about this/these topic/s.
I agree that both types of safe placely can be important. At times we may not be able to have both, so if we know both are possible we can use the one available to us.
I image not having a safe space in one's mind would be extremely challenging. Does have a physcial safe place help? If you are constantly searching external safety because you are not at peace or feel safe in your mind how do you cope?
I am a Christian so in my mind, prayer and time with God is my safe place. Physically I feel fine and safe in my home and in nature. My husband is struggling and I see that he seeks external safe places and I fear he is never at peace nor feels safe in his mind.
Thank you all for sharing.
@orangeTangerine2093
Nice to hear that you have that spiritual anchor to feel safe inside. I believe it's difficult to feel safe when the inside is not calm. It must be hard for you seeing your husband struggling. Hope he will find his safe place of mind too soon.
