You’d think we’d want safe spaces for ourselves and others.
It seems to me that should be universally aspirational, maybe even a government priority or a constitutional minimum or a biological imperative or something.
Instead, people who ask and push for safe spaces are called snowflakes and worse.
We’re often told we’re not worth the effort, at least by governments, employers, corporations, relatives, and religions. We start to think we don’t deserve to be safe. Sometimes we get mad at anyone who has the audacity to think that they do.
I should be clear that I write this from a space of comfort, within my control and budget. As far as spaces in a capitalist / ableist / sexist / increasingly militaristic society go, it is quite safe.
I’m trying to push myself to venture outside of my safe space more, physically and otherwise.
But I’m also getting better at recognizing when my nervous system is approaching a problem and it’s time to retreat to my safe space and recharge. Regulate. Figure out the next step.
We all deserve the time and support and safe space for that.
Why would anyone not want that?
Please enjoy this video of a parrot that has found a safe space to be its authentic self: