PROMPTS & PRACTICES | BE A SAFE SPACE

We experience transformation in a safe space. We are transformed by God who is ultimately safe and loving. The best gift we can provide to others is to create, defend, and protect safe space. There is no official or formal environment necessary for this to happen. We can become safe people whenever and wherever we are.

Hostility is the name of the game because we perceive that we are in constant competition with others. It is an endless game of feeding our ego and displacing our soul to far corners. No wonder our soul becomes protective and untrusting.

Building a safe space takes time and even requires multiple failures. Lessons learned from failures become valuable stepping stones in building safe spaces and restoring broken trusts.

Practices

• Listen. Listen not only to the words but to the emotions behind the words, to facial expressions, body postures, and/or energy levels. Do not offer solutions, advice, or corrections. Don’t think about what to say when listening. Learn to simply say, “thank you for sharing” or “bless you.” If and/or when praying, do not offer solutions or give advice through prayer.

• Keep confidentiality. Assume confidentiality. Keeping your mouths closed builds trust and safety over time.

• It is worth repeating this practice: Ask open questions lovingly. You can assume that he or she will discover his or her own answers over time. Thus, when asking, you are giving them space and permission to discover their own answers. Answers they discover will be more valuable and transforming than the answers they would have received from elsewhere.