As per Wikipedia, a SAFE SPACE is defined as “a place or environment in which a person or category of people can feel confident that they will not be exposed to discrimination, criticism, harassment, or any other emotional or physical harm”. It originated in LGBTQ culture and has since expanded to include any/everyone who may feel marginalized in any environment.

It is important to understand the difference between one’s ‘safe space’ and ’happy space’. Think of a safe space as one that provides isolation, protection, and security, while a happy space may be a physical/emotional sanctuary that provides one with joy and happiness. My emphasis in this scribe is on ‘safe space’, as I believe most folks think they are fine and do not need one. I beg to differ. In varying degrees, we all need our safe spaces on a scale of 1 to 10. The sooner we realize this and identify our safe space, the better it will serve us in the long run.

What are some of the core reasons why a ‘safe space’ is/may become necessary, besides the main one – the protection for marginalized groups?

  • Managing stress and regulating one’s mental health: You feel ‘safe’ in your safe space, and this allows your body’s nervous system to relax. This, in turn, reduces anxiety and helps ratchet down depression.
  • Everyone needs a judgment-free zone: In your safe space, you can freely express yourself without fear of ridicule. It brings out your authentic self and helps build positive self-esteem
  • Healing from trauma or severe adverse events: If you have a safe space, after undergoing a severe traumatic experience, you can safely take refuge in your cocoon to heal and recover. Our social environment will have a ton of sympathizers, but only YOU can take care of yourself and recover in your quiet, safe space at your own pace.
  • Building the resilience to face the world: Do not think of your safe space as a ‘hiding from the world’ venue. Rather, this is where, without any judgment, you may recharge yourself. Build your protection veneer and strengthen yourself to get out there and face the challenging world we live in.

Most of us have a safe space of our own, though often we may not be thinking of it as our safe space. Often, we assume our home is our safe space. Some folks may additionally need a safe space, even within their own homes. Think about all the times when you needed to be alone, away from the deafening noise of the world, to sink into the serenity of your thoughts and forget about everything else. You are at a multi-crossroad path in your life, and want to quietly chart out your next steps.

A key example of a safe space is AA (Alcoholics Anonymous). It provides a non-judgmental community support for individuals to safely share experiences, heal, and connect with others, offering peer-to-peer support. Remember, your safe space does not have to be ‘alone’. It could be with like-minded people, as in an AA meeting.

In our current stressful political times, another community safe space may be participating in a podcast group where you will not be judged; where you can speak your mind, without fear of anyone harassing, criticizing or causing physical harm.

One’s safe space could also be within the closed bedroom doors at your home, or in your basement, working on pottery, painting, gardening, or on your favorite pastime/hobby. Some place where you feel safe and protected and can decompress as and when required. Bears hibernate all winter, so we can too as we need 😊

If you do not actively have your own safe space, you must identify one so you may use it (as needed) as your recovery back-up, for unforeseen situations you may find yourself in. This space is to dissipate all the negativity in which you are drowning, and emerge positive with your self-esteem recharged.

My safe space and happy space tend to overlap quite a bit. Being in my happy space (canvas oil painting, my blog-site writing, 3-D printing, exercising, drone-flying, mentoring) also makes me feel safe.

Find your OWN oasis in this vast desert of a world we live in, where you can feel safe and happy.