Hello and welcome.
My name is Sarah,
And I'll be your guide as we create your neurodivergent safe space this morning.
The world we live in doesn't always feel suited for neurodivergent minds.
So for the next few minutes,
Let's build a retreat,
A sensory world entirely your own.
This space can become an anchor for you to return to in moments of overwhelm or stress,
Or simply be a place to rest in for the pleasure of it.
You can carry this anchor with you throughout your day.
Before we begin,
Take one breath in and let it out slowly.
Let your shoulders soften,
Whether you're sitting or lying down.
Begin to notice your ideal environment.
Would you be inside or outside?
What would the temperature be like?
Warm,
Cool,
Just right?
What about the lighting?
Would it be bright,
Dim,
Golden-hued?
What time of day is it?
Take your time and play with it,
Arranging your scene exactly as you'd like.
Once you've settled into your surroundings,
Bring your attention back to your body.
Notice if there is a drop of ease somewhere,
Just a little bit more spaciousness.
Breathe into any place that is beginning to shift.
Now let's play with sound.
Is your space quiet?
Loud?
Somewhere in between?
Does it have the sounds of nature with wind,
Water,
Birds?
Perhaps the low hum of chatter in the background?
Adjust your sound until it feels just right.
Notice what that rightness feels like in your body.
Now consider who or what is near you.
Are you craving solitude?
Or would a few trusted people or animals feel good close by?
Notice the distance between you and the nearest living being.
Adjust that distance until it's perfect,
And notice what happens inside you when that distance feels just right.
What are you doing in this space?
The possibilities can be endless.
You may be making art,
Resting in the perfect bed or chair,
Solving a puzzle,
Or connecting with someone you trust.
Try a few things on and notice which ones deepen that sense of rightness.
Settle into whatever combination feels most like you right now.
To close,
We'll take a mental photograph of the scene you're creating.
As you capture it,
Notice a color forming around the edges of the image,
A frame that captures the spirit of this place.
Begin to breathe that color in,
Starting at your feet.
Let it rise through your legs.
Through your abdomen.
Into your heart space.
Down your arms.
And up into your head.
You now carry an echo of this space within you,
Something you can return to anytime today,
With a breath or a glance inward.
Some people like to imagine bottling up this color and taking it as an imaginary water bottle with them.
However you'd like to carry today forward,
Know that you're going into your day with a little more resource and a little better understanding of yourself.
When you're ready,
Begin to gently wiggle your fingers and toes.
Take one more breath.
And slowly allow your eyes to flutter open.
