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A World Of Your Own

A World Of Your Own

Hey Everyone,

I've had the idea of a 'mental safe space' (not necessarily the technical term) introduced to me as a mindfulness technique to use when I might feel a bit overwhelmed or stressedto mentally take myself away temporarily before re-grounding. Basically, the idea is to be able to imagine yourself somewhere else- it could be somewhere that actually exists, somewhere your imagination has created, or a combination of the two. It could have anything and anyone you want in it, but is essentially, to borrow from one of the songs in the recent Wonka film (here), a world of your own.

'A world of your own
A place to escape to

A world of your own
A place to go when you're
Feeling alone,
feeling unsure'

Feel free to use this space to share what your own little world might look like (as much as you're comfortable with and within guidelines of course). If you're not sure or stuck, I feel like the song, linked above, paints a picture of what the character's mental world might look like.

You might then like to revisit this thread to add to your little world (something I do if a little extra mindful escape might be needed) or remind yourself as needed. Also, feel free to tag others you feel may benefit from this space too!

@Fluttershy1 @Snowie @Captain24 @Shaz51 @Birdofparadise8 @Oaktree @Former-Member @creative_writer @Adge @Jacques @Sophia1 @Glisten @Bow @Healandlove @Former-Member

14 replies

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In response to: A World Of Your Own

Re: A World Of Your Own

Visualising anything has always been extremely difficult for me.

As such, I don't have a Safe or Comforting Place to call on or think of, when I need it - because I cannot effectively imagine one in time of need.

This week I did some work in Session with Psychologist - On imagining a Caring, Comforting figure (person or animal), to call on in times of overwhelm or despair.

My Comforting Figure (Internal Resource) is the Image of Shakti/ Durga the Hindu Goddess.

Adge

In response to: Re: A World Of Your Own

Re: A World Of Your Own

In my mind I have safe places, one reality from decades ago (if only from memories) and one recent one.

even though my family home was a safe area for prior to high school, when I think about going home I think of my Nanas home. Majority of my fun or silly childhood memories are from times visiting her at her home.

My other safe place is a street and stray cat rescue centre where I would spend hours sitting and talking to different cats, majority of which were scared of human contact.

In response to: Re: A World Of Your Own

Re: A World Of Your Own

I have really enjoyed coming back to read about everyone's little worlds! Thanks so much for sharing!

@Oaktree, I aw really glad school felt safe for you and is now a place you can return to in your mind whenever you may need to. I'm curious if the female teacher you imagine they are with you is just a generic female teacher or teacher you had at school? I ask because I've also been taken through the idea of inserting a safe person into recollections of bad or hard times.

@Bow that is a lovely image. Also to have your daughter there with you!

@1978- I love that! I have had a few pet dogs in my time and they are usually present in my mental safe space.

@Daddymac I'm happy I've been able to introduce you to a new tool it sounds may be helpful at times going forward.

@Adge, I also really like that idea of imagining a caring// comforting figure there with you. I've done that sometimes too!

@Former-Member, I feel like somewhere associated with good memories would make for a really comforting safe space. It's also kind of cool to have a couple of options of which safe space/ world you might like to spend some time in.

I'll keep this thread open, so if anyone else would like to contribute or return to review, please feel free to do so.

In response to: Re: A World Of Your Own

Re: A World Of Your Own

@TideisTurning

The teacher is just a vague imagining of one. Not one specifically. I had a teacher in grade 3 who was very kind to me and I think it might be her but I don’t remember what she looked like and I don’t have any photos from back then because my Dad kept all the photos when my Mum left.

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