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Safety ~ What is it and Why it Matters?
What IS Safety Really?
While Safety seems like a simple word, there are many things that affect our root feeling and sense of safety. Explore the areas of safety (below) and reflect on how safe you feel in each. If you do not feel safe, you may need to change your situation in small, and sometimes large, ways.
Various Areas of Safety to Explore
Safety with SELF
Safety in Home
Safety with Community
Safety in the World
5 Tips for Increasing Inner Safety
Practices for Fostering Inner Safety
Preparation for the Cave of Safety - Watch This FIRST!
The Cave of Safety
The system responds and can return to calm when you send it messages of safety. This practice increases feelings of inner safety, and is helpful when you need a buffer from the world, a deep sense of safety, unconditional love and support, or when you are doing difficult work.
Music: Safe and Loved by Inner Lotus Music on YouTube
The Vagus Nerve and the Nervous System and Safety
Why the Vagus Nerve is KEY to Regulating Your Nervous System State and RETURNING to SAFETY
Attuning to the Body
This practice guides you through shifting your attention inward to build connection with and awareness of what is happening in the body (interoception), to increase awareness of nervous system state, which can help you determine which tools, or interventions, to turn to. Regular practice increases your ability to listen and notice.
Music: Beyond by Zen Celesta on YouTube
Anchoring Bi-Lateral
This practice anchors you into your stable, rooted self through the vagus nerve; balances the mind and the nervous system. Regular practice increases your connection with, and awareness of, your Vagus Nerve and nervous system state.
Music: Deep Meditative State -Find Stillness & Inner Peace by Inner Lotus Music on YouTube
Use FOCUS Tools to Interrupt the Threat Signalling from the Amygdala
Basic Info on Focus Neuro-Tools & When to Use Them
Focus interrupts the amygdala and the cascade of the stress/threat response. Then, we can bring in other tools to restore calm and return to the ventral vagal.
Increasing Self-Compassion Aids Us in Feeling Safer with Ourselves
Fostering Self-Love
When we increase compassion for ourselves, this also increase our sense of safety
This practice guides you through increasing love and compassion for yourself. Observe yourself and how the experiences of life have impacted you. Through the lens of love, connect with both giving and receiving whatever is needed, fostering and growing your compassion and understanding for yourself.
Music: Meditation for Inner Peace by Peaceful Meditation Music YouTube
Important Cautions!!
Toxic Positivity: What is it and How to Avoid it?
What is toxic positivity? How do people engaging in toxic positivity impact people who are struggling with any issue? Learn how to identify and avoid toxic positivity in yourself and in others. Additionally this discusses what to say to people who approach you with toxic positivity.
Beware the Grifters!
Grifters abound in the "healing" profession and community. Watch this video for some information on how to avoid those who are preying on your vulnerability, pain, suffering, difficulty and/or struggle. Be CAUTIOUS with your heart, mind and psyche - treat it with the care it deserves with choosing who you work with.
Safety is the root of many struggles and disorders
** Working with a Therapist is incredibly helpful in general and for most issues a MUST!
They can help you explore safety and what that means for YOU
Psychology Today: Find a Therapist
This is the most trustworthy place to find a licensed therapist. You search by your zip code and can filter for insurance, practice types and any specifics.
*** NOTE: If you do not feel safe, ask your therapist for help finding the resources you need to get safe or tools for increasing your sense of safety. Other good resources: DHS, Vocational Rehabilitation, emergency shelters or centers, your local Police (if you feel safe going to them), your local LGBTQ+ center or group. ****
If you are feeling suicidal you are NEVER alone... JUST dial 988
Or Click Here for a link to their website and talk/text links or click the logo at left.
WARNING!!!
The Trump Administration cut funding for the
specific LGBTQ+ part of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Beginning in JULY 2025
If you are LGBTQ+, you will not receive the quality of the previous (specialized and appropriate) support through the 988 line and will be better supported by calling or texting other crisis support lines
Here are some options for other LGBTQ+ Suicide and Crisis support:
The Trevor Project: Offers crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ young people (ages 13-24). They provide a lifeline (1-866-488-7386), text support (Text START to 678-678), and online chat, available 24/7.
Trans Lifeline: A peer support hotline run by and for transgender people, offering direct emotional and financial support, available 24/7. The US number is 1-877-565-8860 and the Canadian number is 1-877-330-6366.
LGBT National Hotline: Provides peer counseling, information, and resources for callers of all ages. Available Monday-Friday, 4pm - 12am ET and Saturday, 12pm - 5pm ET at 1-888-843-4564.
LGBT National Youth Talkline: Specifically for youth up to age 25, offering information, support, and local resources. Available Monday-Friday, 4pm - 12am ET and Saturday, 12pm - 5pm ET at 1-800-246-7743.
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