The Safe Place: Where the Journey Begins
In my experience working with clients, one of the most transformative things we do is creating a Safe Place—an internal sanctuary that helps ground and support us during moments of self-exploration. It’s more than just a starting point for meditation or spiritual work; it becomes this flexible, evolving anchor that we can return to whenever life feels overwhelming.
What My Safe Place Looks Like
My Safe Place really depends on the day and what’s going on. Like today, for example—it's hot, and I’m asking myself, What do I need right now? I’m craving focus and calm, so I’m imagining a cool, refreshing fog rolling in. As I focus on that, the space starts to come together. I picture myself in an ancient city, sitting on smooth stone with soft grass beneath me, and that cool fog brings a sense of clarity and peace.
On other days, it might look completely different. Sometimes it’s an ancient forest with huge trees and sunlight filtering through the leaves. Other times it’s a quiet riverbank, a meadow, or even a mountain peak. No matter the setting, the feeling is always the same—grounded, safe, and protected. It’s like the space knows what I need before I do.
I've created multiple "Safe Places" within my map of the unconscious—each one a space I can retreat to whenever needed. It's an ever-evolving map that grows and shifts as I do, constantly expanding with my journey.
Adding a Spiritual Structure: A Personal Refuge
Over time, I’ve found that adding a structure—like a cozy hut or a small house—within the Safe Place brings another layer of calm. It becomes a retreat within the retreat. In my journeys, this space has taken different forms—sometimes it’s a simple cabin deep in the woods, other times it’s a larger home with a warm fire burning inside. I think of it as a spiritual refuge, a place to do deeper inner work, meet with guides, or just rest.
I’ve seen this work for clients, too. Their structures are as unique as their journeys. Some might have a quiet shed tucked away in a corner of the landscape, while others imagine a more expansive home. What seems to make a difference is that having this space, even just in the mind, offers a sense of peace and helps the connection feel more real.
“Am I Just Making This Up?”
This is a question I hear a lot: Am I just imagining this? And the short answer is, yes, you are. But that doesn’t make it any less real or powerful. The unconscious mind doesn’t really distinguish between what’s physically real and what’s imagined. The Safe Place you create in your mind is just as valid and meaningful as anything else you experience.
What I’ve found is that letting go of the need to analyze it or overthink it opens the door to deeper healing. The more we disengage from that logical, critical side of ourselves, the easier it becomes to connect with this space. It’s almost like learning a new language—a more intuitive and feeling-based way of being. Once you tap into that, things really start to flow.
How I Use My Safe Place in Daily Life
What I love about having a Safe Place is how easy it is to access. You don’t need to be in a deep meditative state to visit. There have been plenty of days when I’ve felt overwhelmed or stressed, and just by closing my eyes and taking a deep breath, I can return to that inner sanctuary for a moment of calm. It’s like hitting the reset button. And I’ve noticed this helps me find clarity when I might not have otherwise.
What I’ve Seen Work for Me and Clients
Everyone’s journey is different, but there are a few things that seem to resonate with most people when creating a Safe Place:
Tuning Into What’s Needed: Asking, What do I need today? seems to be a helpful way to allow the space to form naturally. It could be focus, calm, or healing, and the space shifts accordingly.
Visualizing the Environment: Letting the space build itself based on what feels safe—whether it’s a forest, a beach, or something else—seems to make the connection stronger and more meaningful.
Incorporating a Structure: Adding a structure, like a hut or a cabin, brings an extra layer of safety. It’s like having a personal retreat within the Safe Place where deeper reflection or rest can happen.
Letting the Space Evolve: The Safe Place changes over time. It grows and shifts with your needs, and I’ve found that allowing that evolution brings new insights and deeper healing.
Visiting Often: It’s not something that’s only accessible during meditation. I’ve found myself returning to my Safe Place throughout the day for a quick reset when needed.
It’s Not About Escaping
I’ve come to realize that creating a Safe Place isn’t about escaping or avoiding life’s challenges. It’s actually the opposite. Having this space to anchor myself allows me to face those challenges with a sense of calm and clarity that I might not have had otherwise. It’s a foundation that helps me stay grounded in reality, rather than run from it.
For me and my clients, the Safe Place has become a living, breathing part of the inner world. It’s not static—it grows and changes as we do. Whether it’s a space for healing, connecting with guides, or just finding peace, it’s always there, offering support when it’s needed most.
As the journey continues, the Safe Place becomes more than just an imagined landscape. It becomes a trusted companion that’s always available to offer guidance and calm, whenever it’s needed.
So, as you explore your inner world, ask yourself, What do I need today? and let your Safe Place guide you.
If there’s a special place you’ve created or visited that brings you a sense of peace, I’d love to hear about it!
