Traumatic Experiences Community Check-In: Saturday-Sunday, 18-19 July 2020
Hello everyone!
This is a supportive space, so the topic is optional to participate in.
Todays topic is over safe spaces.
So what exactly is a safe space? A safe space (sometimes called a healing space or sacred space) is any place that you feel comfortable sharing. Its anywhere offering a space for you to talk when you need it while respecting your privacy and ensuring you feel secure with the surroundings/other people. Basically it is any environment where you feel supported enough to safely share your issues and experiences.
What are some examples of a safe space? It can be anywhere from an online resource, social media, a therapy group, time alone with family or a friend in a designated spot, or somewhere alone by yourself. These are just a few general examples, there are so much more than just these. You can have an unlimited number of space spaces that come in various forms.
Why is this important? Oftentimes it can be important for us to have that time and place where we can just focus on ourselves. And let go of our thoughts, feelings, expectations in order to release and find a peace of mind, even be it for a few moments. It is important to understand that healing takes time, and there is no right or wrong way to do so.
Safe spaces are not for everyone. It is always your choice what to include in your support system as it grows and adapts with you as a person.
Check-In Questions:
● How are you doing this weekend?
● What are your thoughts on a safe space?
● Do you have anything you consider a safe space?
Feel free to check in again over the weekend if anything changes or something comes to mind that you want to mention.
(I have work the next few days, so Ill be replying when I can)
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Well this week was really hard..
I think safe spaces are pawsome and that everyone should have 1.
I have 2 , 1 is my bed, I spend alot time in my bed listening to music chatting.
@Fireskye13
Thanks for checking in. And its great to hear you like this topic!
Two spaces like this, including your bed, that's wonderful to have these places to rely on. Music is a wonderful tool to have with us.
@AstronomySkies
Thanks for the warm welcome, ima glad to be here.
I spend alot time in both places, so its...complicated relationship with them lol.
P.S I love this topic, looking forward to hearing about everyone else safe spaces.
Good topic!
1. How am I doing?
A touch anxious this morning - I'm catching a bus today for the first time in 4 months. I was also planning on going shopping in an area I'm not familiar with but it will depend on how busy it is. If there are queues I'll skip that and go walk in the nearby park instead.
2. Thoughts on safe spaces.
When you find a safe space it's wonderful, but it can be difficult when a space that once felt safe no longer feels that way. I used to find it all but impossible to talk about my feelings so I really value places where I can do that freely. A lot of it comes down to who you're with.
3. My safe spaces:
My bedroom/my bed, my therapist's room.
@Rosa9570
That sounds really Stressful, ima sure you be great, shopping could be fun, crowds and waiting do suck. A walk n the park sounds pawsome! Hope you get to. Have a pawsome day.
@Rosa9570
Thanks for sharing and checkin in. And nice to know that you enjoyed the topic.
That definitely sounds like it could cause a bit of anxiety. Walking in a park sounds like a good idea to help be calm in such a busy nearby environment.
I know safety is a concern, I totally understand it can be hard if somewhere that once was safe no longer makes us feel this way. I'm glad you have your bedroom and the room with your therapist that are safe spots for you.
Not good not good not good
@Sunfl0wer1
Thank you for sharing. It shows a lot of courage to reach out in a forum post. Sorry to hear its not good, hopefully things turn out a bit better soon.
@AstronomySkies
● How are you doing this weekend?
● What are your thoughts on a safe space?
● Do you have anything you consider a safe space?
I'm doing ok this weekend. My thoughts on safe spaces is that they are an important outlet to get your voice heard without judgement from others. I don't have a safe space, minus the internet maybe. In the past, I could maybe rely on safe spaces on campus. On certain websites such as these, people can convey anonymity but bond over shared experiences, such as in the group chat rooms.
@SynSavory
Great to hear you're doing okay.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, I agree they can be an important outlet to have where we won't be judged.
Websites and the internet can definitely be a type of safe space.
I am doing relatively okay this weekend. Weekends are kind of hard for me sometimes due to lack of structure. I am just taking the day to stay inside and do pratically nothing. Saturdays is my day to take a break from life. I stay in my room most of the day and watch my favorite TV show and just look up random stuff online. I nap and spend time with my cat.
I feel like safe spaces are super important and everyone should have one. I also think they can be hard to find when you have a background of abuse. I would say my safe space is my therapist's office, but I think because my time there is so short lived and I can't just go there whenever I want, it makes it less safe. I think a safe space should be readily available. I think my safe space is my walk-in closet. It is where I hide and do meditation and spend time with my cat after work or enjoy a drink by myself. My entire room becomes a safe space at night because no one comes in once they think I am sleeping so I get that space to be myself.
@zeravat119
Thanks for checking in.
I totally understand that the lack of structure on a weekend can be a bit difficult. Taking a break sounds relaxing.
Your closet sounds like a very important space, as well as your room at night. Glad to hear you have a few different safe spaces, and that your cat is there with you too.
@AstronomySkies
This weekend has been weird so far. In some ways, it was great. But it was hard having a panic attack while meeting a new person (majorly triggered because of something that made me think of trauma). Thankfully she was a sweetheart, and very understanding and respectful.
I think safe places are SO important! If it weren't for my safe places, I don't know what I'd do. I have a few. I think the main ones would be when I'm with certain friends and mentors, my Celebrate Recovery group (it is not just for substance! I go for PTSD!), my counseling sessions- my therapist is amazing. I seriously don't know where'd I'd be without these people/places. I also love to be outdoors. I find it so refreshing and relaxing and freeing.
@BrightFaith76824
Hello! It's nice to hear that parts of your weekend were great, even if some areas were a little odd. I know that panic attacks can be hard, but its amazing this person ended up so helpful and nice to you.
These are all amazing safe spaces, and outdoors can be very refreshing I agree. Thanks for checking in and sharing this.
Hi, I'm her because I quit work due to being belittled, harassed and mildly bullied by senior staff. Was doing extra hours risking my health and that of my family all through the worst of the Pandemic at the time. WS thought of as very odd. Am feeling hurt which feels like a physical pain. Am feeling friendless and isolated though I have a supportive husband and three great young adult children
@Roxymar
Hello, thanks so much for checking in and sharing.
Sorry to hear that things have not been so great as of late. But it's amazing to hear your husband and children are supportive.
To feel and be my safest I need headphones, an empty field, and a blankent. Which sounds weird. But I have this one distinct memory from fifth grade where my class went to a conservation and laid down in a field for about five minutes. It was like everything around me shut off. The only thing that mattered was the breeze on my skin and the feeling of grass poking at my back. Headphones are necessary because my thoughts can be a little too loud. A blanket would be nice because I like feeling warm. I think if I were back at that field again I could feel safe despite everything.
I wish I had a safeplace that was a little more accessible but just knowing I have one is nice.
Greetings !
● How are you doing this weekend?
I am doing great !
● What are your thoughts on a safe space?
Not precisely, i take it as it is a safe space , a must have space , a necessity.
● Do you have anything you consider a safe space?
My mind , my yoga mat , my warrior shield 🛡