Cultivating Inner Strength: How to feel safer in an uncertain world

Understanding the Evolutionary Perspective

Embedded in our ancestral DNA is a survival imperative that compels us to distinguish between real threats and perceived dangers. The cost of misjudgment was high for our ancestors: mistaking a harmless situation for a threat might lead to needless anxiety, while failing to recognize an actual threat could result in death. This inherent negativity bias has left a lasting impact on humans, causing us to overestimate threats, underestimate opportunities, and undervalue our inner and outer resources for coping with challenges.

The key to feeling safe lies in striking a balance between caution and confidence. Addressing safety needs without succumbing to unreasonable anxiety requires cultivating inner strengths. These strengths empowers you to navigate real threats while mitigating unnecessary and unreasonable fears.

Skilfully using Outer and Inner Resources for Safety

Drawing on external sources of safety is essential for fostering a sense of security. You might want to consider tangible elements like a warm blanket, a comforting cup of tea, financial security, or a supportive social network. Recognizing these external resources provides opportunities to anchor yourself in feelings of safety amid life's uncertainties.

Equally crucial are internal resources that contribute to a secure mindset. Embracing feelings of calmness, centeredness, and groundedness, along with the ability to take perspective and see the bigger picture, strengthens one's inner resilience. Acknowledging personal capabilities, setting boundaries, and fostering a sense of agency and control are vital components of this inner equilibrium.

Taking in Opportunities for Safety

Throughout the day, seizing moments of safety—whether derived from external or internal resources—is paramount. Recognizing these moments and actively taking them in strengthens neural pathways associated with positivity. According to neuroscience, what fires together wires together, making it imperative to spend at least 20 seconds intensifying positive experiences to reshape the brain for the better.

The journey to feeling safer starts with small, intentional actions throughout the day. Personally, this means incorporating moments of safety, whether from inner or outer resources, to enhance my sense of security. It begins with feeling safe through morning routines, breathing meditations, caressing my cats, conversations with compassionate friends, and putting things into perspective. Recognizing these mini-moments of safety is crucial for building resilience and fostering positivity. What are your personal moments of ok-ness and safety? 

You could explore  my guided meditation on feeling safe to fully embrace a moment of peace and calm. If you would like to be guided in this journey towards deep resilience check out  our new course on deep reslience.

It's not about the challenges its about how you respond

In a world where challenges abound, nurturing safety is vital for resilience. By embracing both external and internal resources, we can cultivate a secure mindset that empowers us to face life's uncertainties with confidence and resilience. Seize those moments of safety, and let positive neuroplasticity guide you towards a calmer, more centered existence.