Skip to main content

Our Safe Space – Claiming Sanctuary

A few weeks ago, while reflecting on the importance of having a safe space in our lives, a scene from The Hunchback of Notre Dame resurfaced in my mind—Esmeralda standing at the cathedral doors, claiming Sanctuary. I knew people could seek refuge in different ways and in different places, but I had never heard that specific expression before. It stayed with me.

The word space carries so many meanings. It can be outer space, a physical location, or something far more abstract. Yet when Esmeralda claimed Sanctuary, she wasn’t only hoping for a physical refuge—she needed a safe one.

A physically safe space might be our home, a shelter, a temple, a library, or an office. It could also be a quiet moment in your car or a hidden corner in the forest where you can breathe.

But when I think of an abstract space—something deeper than a virtual place—the first thing that comes to mind is that inner refuge where we can be fully ourselves. A space where we feel strongly protected and deeply loved. A psychologically safe space. A place where you can learn, fail, share your silliest thoughts, and express your boldest ideas without fear. A place where you are free. No pretending. No expectations. No judgments.

When I reflect on my own safe spaces, I always return to my home—my Shrine. The place where I can arrive and immediately feel at ease, simply by being me.

Having moved to between countries more than once, I’ve learned to discover not only physical safe spaces, but also abstract ones. And, perhaps most importantly, I’ve learned to become one myself.

Throughout the years, I’ve had the privilege of offering that kind of sanctuary to others—a place where they can open up, unwind, speak their minds even when they haven’t fully shaped their thoughts. A space where they can rest in trust, knowing that whatever is said will remain held, quietly and sacredly, within me. Advice is given only when asked for. Honesty is offered gently. And their unfiltered selves are always welcome.

And I, too, have claimed Sanctuary in moments when I needed it most. I carry deep gratitude for those who opened their doors—and their arms—to me.

Do you have a safe space?

And just as importantly…

Are you one for the people you love?

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Love or the Lack of it

Over the years, I’ve noticed a recurring truth: every time my heart feels restless, it’s because of love—or the absence of it. Love is the ultimate reason behind almost everything we experience. Think about it: when someone walks into a room and doesn’t say hello, it’s not just a matter of bad manners. It makes you feel invisible. That sense of invisibility steals your peace because, deep down, you don’t feel loved by that person. And I mean not loved, which is different from unloved. When we feel a sense of injustice, it often stems from a lack of love toward someone. It could be as small as someone eating the last piece of cake without asking if anyone else wanted some, or as inconsiderate as not replacing the toilet paper roll. I remember once rushing to make it to a meeting on time, only to find my friends arriving 30 minutes—sometimes even an hour—late. The examples are endless, but here’s what I’ve realized: whenever our hearts feel battered, if we pause and dig deep enough, we’l...
Post a Comment
Read more

Being Intentional: The Power of Planning Ahead

Many years ago, right after moving here, I went to a dentist. Before leaving, they asked me to schedule my next routine appointment. Since I had never done that before, it felt a bit exaggerated to book something six months in advance. But then I remembered the saying: “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” So, I did. After years of scheduling routine appointments for doctors and dentists ahead of time, I’ve realized the system is brilliant. We all need those checkups, and the sooner we schedule them, the better. It’s not just about securing a convenient time—it’s about making sure we don’t forget altogether. A couple of months ago, after dinner with friends, I suggested we set up our next meal right away—two months later. With our busy schedules, I wanted to maximize the chances that everyone could make it. To my surprise, everyone loved the idea, and it worked perfectly. That experience made me think: how many other things could we plan intentionally—things that don’t have an ulterior ...
Post a Comment
Read more

From Sedentary Faith to Audacious Trust

Last week, I read something that deeply resonated with me: the idea that  sedentism —a concept we usually associate with our physical lifestyle—has also quietly settled into our spiritual lives. It’s not just about how we seek food, shelter, or comfort anymore. It’s about how we approach faith. The reflection suggested that, since the Industrial Revolution, many of us have lived with a sense of safety and stability. That comfort has seeped into our spirituality. As long as we avoid major sins—like harming others—we assume we’re on the right path, bound for Heaven. But this kind of passive faith, shaped by comfort, can become weak. It doesn’t require boldness. It doesn’t demand trust in God when things fall apart. I had never thought about faith in this way. I’ve always seen myself as someone fairly courageous. But when I paused to reflect, I realized that four years ago, three of the biggest “certainties” in my life were stripped away. Beyond the pain and sadness, that moment marke...
3 comments
Read more