When I sit down to write a new post I am motivated by the passion to create a space for healing. Sharing my own struggles and challenges through writing has become the natural progression of my own journey to heal myself…..and it is absolutely terrifying.

The thing is, the journey wouldn’t really be so powerful if it wasn’t at least a little bit scary. We already know we don’t grow and evolve when things are easy and comfortable, and yet it is human nature for us to resist that which feels difficult or causes discomfort—especially a process such as this.

As regularly practicing yoga allowed me to begin seeing myself more clearly, it wasn’t until studying and practicing Ayurveda that actually created such a space for me. I have learned and implemented a lot over the last five years and as I continue to learn and grow this space for myself, I become more and more passionate about sharing it with others. I did not know it at the time but first working with Courtney Miller Morris and Debby Andersen, Co-Founders of Hamsa School of Yoga and Ayurveda, would undeniably change my life forever.

There are a number of elements and qualities needed to create a true space for healing whether it is for yourself or for anyone else. We’ll go over each of these in detail over the next several posts. With the ability to keep even a few of these guiding principles in mind, the greater chance we have to help ourselves and those around us to heal.

Safety First: No matter what we are going through we must believe without a doubt that we are absolutely safe when we are trying to heal something within us. It’s important to note that feeling safe absolutely includes our physical body and our environment but it goes much deeper than that as well. As healing often means drawing up our wounds, the pain can be excruciating and if we aren’t free to express ourselves openly and honestly, the ability to heal is often hindered.

Recognize the more subtle areas and times in your life where you do not trust how you will be treated or excessively worry about how you or your behavior will be received. This may include experiencing a difficult relationship, a hostile work environment, or even just catching a glimpse of yourself in the mirror. Being constantly distracted by judgment of yourself and others continuously draws your attention outward–while healing must begin within ourselves.

What makes this first quality for space so difficult is that we do not always recognize when we are choosing judgment or self-criticism because it has been so ingrained in our mindset for so long. We have to be willing to be honest about these triggers and have the courage to face them as well. Whether it is how we judge ourselves in any given moment or how we choose to see life as either “wonderful” or “awful,” these judgments are simply mental habits that have been created over time….which also means they can be broken.

Once we become aware of the areas in our lives where we don’t feel safe, it is up to us to carve out some space for ourselves where we do. A daily practice of self-compassion and non-judgement is essential. A time in which you make a conscious effort to not judge anything as “good” or “bad” including yourself and therefore not attaching to that desire or resistance is incredibly powerful.

Sitting quietly, writing out your feelings, moving meditation, silent prayer, expressing yourself creatively, talking with a friend, counselor, or loved one you trust explicitly are all just a few ways you can create a safe space for yourself to heal. Start small and keep it manageable. Even just five minutes each day can make a significant impact.

Do not underestimate the words you choose to use on a daily basis and encourage yourself to seek out and provide room for trust and self-acceptance. Notice where you and others judge and criticize the most and allow yourself to begin letting that habitual mindset go. As you nurture this practice for yourself you can lengthen the time and expand the activities so that creating a safe space replaces old behaviors and becomes the greater habit towards self-love and healing.