Finding your calm within: Safety & containment

Has it ever happened that despite being in a peaceful space surrounded by familiar faces, your body just can't seem to relax? 

Safety isn't just about where you are. It's what your nervous system needs to feel internally.

You might be sitting comfortably, but your body's still on high alert - shoulders tense, breath shallow, sitting at the edge or corner of your seat. This happens because your nervous system is constantly scanning for threats. Even if your mind knows you're safe, your body might not be on the same page.

Change and Sense of Safety

Change can be tough on your system. A new place, new people, or even a change in routine can make many of us feel uneasy. It's like our body's asking, "Are we safe here?" 

It's not a weakness; it's just our system doing its job.

Getting Your Body to Feel Safe Again

Your Nervous System and body rarely listen to your thoughts or what you say to it in times of stress. At the time it mostly understands what your body is sensing and the input it receives from the environment.

One way to start feeling safer is through orientation. Take a moment to notice your surroundings:

- Things and people you can see

- Things you can touch

- Things you can hear

- Noticing the empty spaces and gaps between you and other people or objects

Feel your feet on the ground and remind yourself, "I'm here, and I'm safe enough right now."

It's Not About Fixing, It's About Holding

Containment is about being with your emotions. When we stop trying to fix or flee from anxiety, we can start to trust our capacity to handle it.

Your Body Wants to Feel Safe

With practice, your nervous system can learn to feel safer. Each time you breathe deeply or self-soothe, you're teaching it a new truth: "I'm safe enough."

Safety is a Practice

It's not a place we arrive at. It's something we practice every day. Every deep breath and moment of presence tells your body, "We're safe enough to be here."

Some helpful techniques for feeling sense of safety

• Containment: Give yourself a hug or cross your arms - gentle pressure can be really comforting.

• Co-regulation: Being around calm people can help regulate your system too. Making eye contact with people in your environment. Noticing what is comfortable to look at

• Naming Your Emotions: Say to yourself, "My body feels anxious, but I'm safe.

If you're not feeling safe from within despite of no life threat in the environment, Therapy can help rebuild the sense of safety.

Becoming Conscious Beings (BCB) can be your guide. Contact us