The Importance of Creating a Safe Place, Safe Space, and Safe Face

In times of stress, uncertainty, and change, it’s essential to have a sense of safety and security. Whether you’re dealing with personal challenges, societal upheaval, or global crises, having a place where you feel safe, a space where you feel accepted, and a sense of self-worth can help you navigate challenging times with greater resilience and confidence. In this article, we’ll explore the concept of “safe place, safe space, and safe face” and how you can use this framework to cultivate a greater sense of safety and security in your life.

Safe Place: Finding Your Oasis of Calm

A safe place is a physical or emotional space where you feel comfortable and secure. It could be your bedroom, a cozy reading nook, a favorite spot in nature, or simply a mental image that you find soothing. When we feel stressed or overwhelmed, it can be helpful to take a few moments to imagine ourselves in our safe place and to take a few deep breaths to calm our minds and bodies.

To find your safe place, consider the environments where you feel most relaxed and at ease. What do these places look like, smell like, and feel like? What colors, textures, and sensations do you associate with calm and safety? Once you’ve identified your safe place, try to visit it regularly, even if only in your imagination. This can help you feel grounded and centered, even during chaos and uncertainty.

Safe Space: Building a Supportive Community

A safe space is a social environment where you feel accepted and respected. It could be a group of friends, a supportive community, or a therapist’s office where you feel heard and validated. When we feel like we’re in a safe space, we’re more likely to be open and honest about our feelings and needs.

To build your safe space, think about the people in your life who make you feel accepted and valued. Who are the friends, family members, or colleagues who support you and encourage you to be your authentic self? How can you cultivate relationships with these people and create community? If you don’t have a supportive community, consider joining a group or seeking therapy to build connections and find a safe space to express yourself.

Safe Face: Valuing Your Own Worth

A safe face is a sense of self-respect and self-worth that comes from feeling valued and appreciated by others. It’s about feeling seen and heard and like our contributions are important. When we have a safe face, we’re more likely to be assertive and confident in our interactions with others.

To cultivate your safe face, acknowledge your worth and value. What strengths, talents, and qualities make you unique and valuable? How can you recognize and appreciate these qualities in yourself and communicate them to others? It’s also important to surround yourself with people who value and respect you and to avoid relationships or situations that make you feel small or unimportant.

Creating a Culture of Safety and Security

Using the framework of a safe place, safe space, and safe face, you can cultivate a greater sense of safety and security. Whether dealing with personal challenges, societal upheaval, or global crises, having a sense of safety and security can help you navigate challenging times with greater resilience and confidence. By finding your safe place, building a supportive community, and valuing your own worth, you can create a culture of safety and security that supports you and empowers you to face life’s challenges with courage and grace.

Safe Place, Safe Space, and Safe Face Worksheet:

Instructions: For each section, answer the questions and complete the prompts to identify your safe place, safe space, and safe face.

Safe Place:

1. What physical or emotional space do you feel most comfortable and secure in?
2. What colors, textures, and sensations do you associate with calm and safety?
3. Describe your safe place in detail, including what it looks like, feels like, and smells like.
4. How often can you visit your safe place, even if only in your imagination?
5. How can you incorporate your safe place into your daily life?

Safe Space:

1. Who are the people in your life who make you feel accepted and valued?
2. What qualities do they possess that create a sense of safety and security for you?
3. How can you cultivate relationships with these people and create community?
4. If you don’t have a supportive community, how can you seek out therapy or join a group to build connections and find a safe space to express yourself?
5. What self-care practices can you engage in to create a safe space for yourself, such as meditation, journaling, or spending time in nature?

Safe Face:

1. What strengths, talents, and qualities make you unique and valuable?
2. How can you recognize and appreciate these qualities in yourself and communicate them to others?
3. What affirmations or self-compassion statements can you say to yourself when feeling down or unworthy?
4. How can you surround yourself with people who value and respect you and avoid relationships or situations that make you feel small or unimportant?
5. How can you assert your boundaries and communicate your needs to others with confidence and grace?

By completing this worksheet, you can identify and cultivate your safe place, safe space, and safe face to create a culture of safety and security that supports you in navigating life’s challenges with greater resilience and confidence.