5 . FROM STRESS TO SERENITY: Top Ten Tips For Developing Safe Healing Spaces - proven methods for emotional restoration

Top Ten Tips For Developing Safe Healing Spaces 

Welcome to our beginner's guide to creating safe healing space for emotional restoration. In this article, we'll explore the top 10 best-kept secrets that will help you navigate your healing journey with confidence and resilience. Whether you're dealing with trauma, painful memories, or unresolved emotions, these proven methods will provide you with the support and guidance you need to cultivate a safe environment for healing

1. Be your own Sanctuary

The origins of this word, from the Latin ‘Sanctuarium’, embedded in mystical sacred spaces, connote pilgrim shrines or sites protecting holy artifacts and holy people. A sacred place, a place of safety and refuge. The first secret is: a sanctuary doesn’t have to be a physical space. Once you have learned how to the ‘arium’ (container) or place of safety can be your body. Become the gatekeeper your own inner temple.

2. Practice self-care. 

Self-care is a fundamental aspect of healing. It involves taking deliberate actions to nurture your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. From practicing mindfulness and meditation to engaging in activities that bring you joy, prioritise self-care as an essential part of your healing journey. Go on: take five minutes today to nurture your soul and prioritise your well being today. Let us know how it goes in the comments below.

3. Hygge

The origins of this word Danish/Norwegian word stems from Old Norse describing your soul’s conscious focus on valiant joyful and comforting thoughts. Hygge: to embrace, to comfort, to consider and reflect; a pleasant, safe, spontaneous “everyday togetherness”; a place of personal wholeness and spontaneous social flow, where everyone is ‘present’, comfortable and valued equally. I’m thinking the Moomin family in Moomin Valley.

Hygge is a way of life. Meik Wiking, the author of The Little Book of Hygge  describes  ten qualities for living a happy life: atmosphere, presence, pleasure, equality, gratitude, comfort, togetherness, harmony, truce, and shelter. 

How can you hygge? By creating yourself a cosy, convivial atmosphere to promote wellbeing. The secret here is that, although the word also expresses a core part of Danish Culture, you don’t have to be Scandinavian to be Hygge. If your ‘happy place’ is reading, I have just the books for you.

Guaranteed to bring warmth and comfort into your life, The Little Book of Hygge is the book we all need. A definitive, must-read introduction to hygge, written by Meik Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen. The book is packed full of original research on hygge, along with beautiful photographs, recipes and ideas to help you add a sprinkle of Danish magic to your life. And a fantastic gift. I'm a fan

The Little Book of Hygge: 

'It's the cosiest book in the world!'

'This book is made for lovers of creature comforts'

'A lovely book to read during winter months, it helps you detach from the chaos of life'

'If you want a book that takes you to a happy place every time, buy this one'

4. Understanding & unpacking trauma 

To heal deeply you need to identify, recognise and unpack the traumatic events and release them from your body. It is important to recognise the Impact of trauma on your emotional well-being and behaviours too.

Trauma is a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that can leave lasting emotional scars. It often manifests as painful memories, inner turmoil, and psychological wounds that affect every aspect of our lives. Your body stores memory of trauma. Understanding the root cause of your trauma is the first step toward healing.

Creating a safe space is essential for healing from trauma. Whether you are using CBT, counselling, fascia massage, homeopathy or acupuncture along the way. Choose a therapist you feel ‘safe’ with, in a space that ‘feels’ right. One who has created a physical space providing refuge from emotional triggers and offering a supportive environment where you can process your feelings without judgment or fear. 

5. Healing is a restorative practice: Identifying emotional triggers

Emotional triggers are stimuli that evoke strong emotional responses linked to past traumatic experiences. Identifying these triggers is crucial for understanding your emotional reactions and breaking free from the cycle of unresolved emotions. ‘Mindfulness’ in every day spaces can help you pay attention to situations, people, or events that trigger negative feelings.  Seek and accept help to explore healthy ways to cope with them. CBT is offered through the NHS in the UK: ask your GP for a referral.

6. The therapeutic benefits of develop you own rituals

If you are out and about you cannot always avoid triggers. Developing your own rituals can help. There are numerous activities that have been found to help reduce feelings of hostility and anxiety while also promoting an improved level of connectedness between people. Carrying a talisman from a loved one in your pocket can ‘ground’ you to a happier place.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a disorder in which people have recurring, unwanted thoughts, ideas, sensations that develop into obsessions. If your, compulsion to do something repetitively is dysfunctional. Try turning the action into a full blown daily ‘protection ritual’ instead of a disruptive repetitive behaviour. In your own home you can burn incense and smudge sticks to ‘negate negative energy’.  Bath rituals are useful too. I used to package up herbal bath ritual packs. Keep an eye out for Pomegranate Products in the Lotus Natural Healing store.

7. How to ‘hold space’

Burn a sage stick cleanse your space and create a circle. Whether it's a cozy corner in your home or a peaceful outdoor retreat. Whether the space is just for you, or for others. First find a physical place where you feel comfortable and secure. Perhaps it’s out in a secluded natural setting. If it’s in your home re-create the feeling. Adding indoor plants, cleaning (physically), cleansing (spiritually), re-arranging furniture (Feng Shui) can help. 

Be someone who embraces practices as part of an intentional holistic approach to their health care. Intentionally manipulating your environment with candles and lighting, and relaxing music to promote comfort and peace. Holding a space for yourself means finding time for self-care, practicing mindfulness through journaling, focusing on growing spiritually through meditation or prayer.

If you are holding a space for others. Take time to focus. Consider the physical space (create a space to ‘hyge’). Consider the person’s physical needs. Make it warm/ cool as needed; make it light/dark as needed. Clean and aromatic air is good. Now ground, protect, and prepare yourself to welcome them in. Ensure you are fully present for them (this will also protect you).

8. Seeking Support:  accept the love 

Build your support system by letting those who understand and empathise become allies in your healing journey. Healing from trauma can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. Building a strong support system of friends, family, or mental health professionals can provide you with the encouragement and validation you need to navigate your healing journey. Surround yourself with people who understand and empathize with your experiences.

 

9. Embracing the healing journey

Embracing the Process means trusting your own path. This enables, you to celebrate your progress and growth along the way. The healing journey is a process of self-discovery and transformation. It's about acknowledging your resilience and embracing the challenges that come with healing from trauma. Trust in your ability to heal and remember that progress is not always linear. Celebrate achievements, no matter how small; praise and reward yourself; and continue to move forward with courage and determination. 

10. Visit the GREEN LOTUS LOUNGE: a safe space to heal

Here at the Green Lotus Lounge we specialise in creating ‘safe’ healing spaces. To be honest most of our supportive work is online, but we never miss an opportunity to get together and support each other in person. And some things - like our unique incense blending workshops - just wouldn’t work online!

As you embark on your own healing journey, remember that creating safe healing spaces is essential for emotional restoration. By understanding trauma, cultivating supportive environments, identifying emotional triggers, practicing self-care, seeking support, and embracing the process, you can navigate your healing journey with confidence and resilience. You deserve to heal, and with these best-kept secrets, you have everything you need to reclaim your emotional well-being and live a life of purpose and fulfilment. And you have lots of love from Lilly.