Sit comfortably and begin to tune in to the breath.
It is suggested that you gently close your eyes for today's practice,
But feel encouraged that this is only a suggestion and not a requirement.
As you continue to breathe,
Find your focus drawn inward,
Nowhere to be but here,
Nothing to attend to but self.
Imagine yourself at the beginning of a pathway.
It's a warm day with a cool breeze.
The sky is dotted with small clouds and you find yourself feeling content.
Looking at the pathway ahead,
You feel excited and drawn forth.
Begin walking forward,
Noticing what's on either side of you as you meander.
Are you in a meadow,
A city,
Alongside the ocean or perhaps on a mountain trail?
You might see plant life around you or an animal or two.
Wherever you are and whatever you see,
Know that you are safe here.
And as your journey continues in your mind's eye,
Take a moment to reflect on that word safe.
What does it mean to be safe?
When have you felt safe before in your life?
Do you feel safe often or not?
Know that where you are headed in this journey today is a truly safe and welcoming place.
Perhaps you see it just there around the corner as you wander forward on your path.
Maybe there is a clearing or a structure hidden among the woods.
Notice yourself arrive at a place built just for you.
A place where you can truly be yourself,
Where you have every comfort you need.
A place where you can find freedom and protection all in one.
Imagine yourself entering this safe place.
Begin to look around.
What do you see?
Begin to notice how things are laid out.
Open floor here,
Comfy couch there,
A backyard overlooking the ocean,
Even a roller coaster.
You might have one room or you might have many areas.
Allow this place to manifest.
Notice the colors around you,
Any movement or stillness in your environment.
See where the most important objects or spaces are located.
Walk around this place.
Imagine that you can touch everything that you see.
What do you feel?
How does the ground feel beneath your feet?
Is there a tree or a blanket or a wall that you can touch?
Notice all of the textures that surround you.
Notice the temperature of the space.
Allow the warmth or coolness of the space to embrace your skin.
Are there sounds here?
Pause and listen.
Birds chirping,
A fan whirring,
A favorite song,
Maybe a loved one's voice.
If you are unable to access sounds organically,
Are there sounds you would prefer to hear in this space?
If you do hear a loved one's voice or even if not,
Perhaps extend that internal conversation for yourself to whether or not anyone else is even allowed in this space with you.
Maybe no one else may come here.
Maybe you have a particular person or pet who is in this safe place with you.
Those who may enter,
Do they have a key or can they only enter with you?
What does this place smell like?
Or what smells would you like there to be?
Maybe you have a favorite essential oil or can you smell the ocean?
Maybe you smell the fresh dirt of the forest or grandma's cookies.
Wherever your mind takes you,
Allow that smell to permeate your consciousness and breathe in deep.
Are there tastes you prefer in this safe space?
A favorite food or drink,
Maybe an unlimited supply of toothpaste.
Perhaps you prefer the neutral taste of your own mouth.
Any taste that comes to mind,
Imagine yourself indulging in it.
Think of that first bite of chocolate cake or the feeling of putting a fresh piece of gum in your mouth.
Notice what arises.
Are there physical responses or emotions that come up?
Just sit with that for a moment.
As you look around your safe space,
Noticing the sights,
Smells,
And everything else around you,
See if anything pops out as most important.
Is there an object or a particular area of this place that feels more significant than anything else?
Engage with it in your mind.
That might mean standing in a certain place or picking up an object,
Noticing its weight or texture.
Why do you think this thing is so important?
You might have a clear reason for that and you might not.
Either way,
Hold on to the idea of this place or object as you deepen your breath.
If your eyes have been closed,
Feel free to open them.
Begin to focus on the present time and space,
Still with the idea of your safe space in your mind.
Remember that important location or object and as you begin to connect with the visual or maybe auditory cues in your present environment,
Think if there are any ways to represent that important thing here in the physical world.
Can the texture of an imagined blanket be replicated with a different blanket or soft sweatshirt?
Can you build a playlist with the favorite song that you heard?
Or maybe create a version of that corner of your safe space in your own home.
Maybe you just draw a picture.
Feel invited to bring that feeling of safety into your daily life with reminders of this wonderful place you've imagined today so that you can feel secure,
Grounded,
And safe always.
