Is it actually a Safe Space?

Over the past two years, I've spent considerable time questioning and reassessing certain beliefs, leading to some being recognised as former beliefs.

I've been exploring the concept of a safe space and recall an episode called "Safe Spaces" on the Life Diary Podcast with my co-host, where we discussed how true safe spaces are about acceptance.

I believe a component has shifted for me over time, which is questioning whether it is truly a safe space or rather a trusted, secure space.

This prompted me to reflect on my faith and how, even when I'm a mess, I feel secure knowing that Christ can handle me. Of course, we cannot compare our community to Christ!

For years, I've struggled with allowing people to see me completely, but I've recently realised that the difference with those I've allowed to see me fully, and vice versa, is that these trusted spaces provided a safety net for when either of us messes up.

Is it truly a safe space? Love inherently involves hurt, so why settle for playing it safe when you can engage fully and wholesomely, exploring every aspect of your relationships with those you deem worthy?

Instead of simply declaring a space as safe, we should establish structures that help close relationships understand that it's okay to make mistakes. It's important to recognize that misunderstandings, projections and defensiveness can occur, but knowing there's a safety net combined with accountability, grace, and non-shaming elements is loving, as we will all need grace at some point.

What if we expand our viewpoint on what a safe space is?

Risks are present everywhere, and only by acknowledging this can we genuinely create safety within, rather than labelling a space as "safe".

Every time I'm asked if this is a safe space, I'm reminded of the risks that are always present. Let's move past this. I hope you read this with nuance. Love,

Fayosola :)