How To Create Comfortable, Safe, and Healing Environments To Build Strong Brains and Hearts
In a world which has proven to be particularly unpredictable over the past few years, we have now more than ever collectively felt the need for safety, comfort, security and healing.
Whatever our age, background, and role in society, we all need this.
The need for safety and comfort begins from early on in our lives, and to help us understand this better, here is a bit of scientific theory to support!
Maslow’s “Hierarchy of Needs Theory” is well known. Within this paradigm, there exists different levels of needs innate to us all, and it is the basic needs which are most important for the foundation of healthy development. Without this solid, secure foundation, the theory states we are unable to have our psychological needs of belonging and love met, resulting in a lack of achieving a sense of self- esteem and self-actualisation.
WHY A CALM, SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT IS IMPORTANT
“In order for positive action to take place, we need to feel calm, relaxed, and supported within our environment. For many of us, and especially for youth coming from high-stress and/or traumatic households, entering a space of peace and comfort allows the body to relax and the mind to become clearer. Being in this state of calm encourages learning, reduces stress and anxiety, and allows us to connect with ourselves and the world around us.” ~ Jen Armstrong MSc, HERE Co-Founder
At HERE, we prioritise this basic need as first and foremost for the children, families and providers we serve. We have brought a great sense of comfort and calm to our physical spaces, whether that be a children’s centre, education provision or school, and we also encourage this within our digital sessions, programs and trainings.
We have developed calm spaces in organisations which have stated how much of a change it has made for them. We created a mindfulness space at the Ronald McDonald House Omaha to support their children and families going through the healing process, as well as with our more recent work creating a healing space at ReConnect Triage Success Youth Program, which has been received with wide open arms! Here is just some of the feedback from our youth participants (first initial of names used for privacy purposes):
"This space is very chill."
“When we pile up the cushions and blankets we are in our ‘nests.’”
"It's been amazing. This is one of the things I look forward to every day, including the friendly environment."
"The session was amazing... I felt better after waking up... I felt relieved." ~ Participant’s thoughts after falling asleep during Jen's meditation and then waking up
"I felt calm and collected. I felt a lot better than I usually do." ~ T after a Jen's meditation session. Z responded that he could see how relieved T was.
Sessions displayed are with HERE Co-Founder Jen Armstrong, Carole Westerman, MaryBeth Winner and NBA Mental Performance Coach Greg Graber
“The youth we support have been through so much and it’s important for them to feel safe and welcome when they walk through our doors. The HERE program has done just that by creating a comfortable space for healing and creativity, with programs that allow them to rest their brains and bodies, as well as empower them and lift them up. Providing a comforting environment like this is the future.”
This creation of a safe space can allow an individual to feel supported, able to let go of worries and stresses, and just simply be. We believe that when an individual feels calm and safe in a space, this can help open up communication and develop creativity, allowing them to be seen and heard.
How to create a Calming space in 3 easy steps:
Find something cosy and warm
Find something such as a blanket, pillow, bean bag, eye pillow, which is soft and comforting.
Use a calming smell or sound
Incorporate either calming music and sound, or smell such as dried lavender or an essential oil. Using multiple senses within your calm space can encourage a greater sense of presence and relaxation. This also provides a great opportunity to support local creators. For example, we have provided local Lavender and aromatherapy elements from Sandhills Lavender Farm and dried bouquets from Dahlia House Omaha for youth. They love these elements and the warmth and cosiness they bring to the room and sessions!
An all important invitation
Creating this space will not be effective without a genuine invitation to relax into it. People need to know it is ok to get cosy, to soften into their seat or blanket. A gentle reminder about the importance of this within our daily life is key.
Dried flower bouquets from Dahlia House Omaha and lavender from Sandhills Lavender farm
mindful moments YOU CAN INTEGRATE AS A PART OF YOUR CALMING SPACE
Play “How To Be A Cloud” by Kira Willey with “Calm Cloud Pose”
MORE! DOWNLOAD “the seasons” mindful activity pack for YOUR WORK WITH CHILDREN
more Mindfulness activities and meditations for children
“Spring Healing”
As we go through struggles, we can all too easily think we are alone. We are not alone. We are here together. Remind yourself of this when you struggle. Let’s practice “Spring Healing” to find your inner peace and calm which is always here for you. Take a moment to be still. Feel connected to, and held by the earth. Close your eyes and practice the mantra: “I am peaceful. I find softness in my heart. May I be gentle on myself.”
“Oodles of Tulips”
You are unique, loved and surrounded by support. Think of yourself as a beautiful tulip in a field of thousands of tulips, “Oodles of Tulips!” ~ You are surrounded by your community and supported by the earth. Take a moment to be still. Feel connected to, and held by the earth. Close your eyes and practice the mantra: “I am loved. I am connected to all life on earth. I send loving kindness into the world.”
“Gentle Breezes and Bluebirds”
There is a weather proverb that states: “Bluebirds are a sign of spring, warm weather and gentle south breezes.” (The Old Farmer’s Almanac). Along with this, the spiritual meaning of bluebirds includes love, peace, trust, dedication and positive change. We thought this would make for a relevant theme right now, and the idea of being gentle on yourself too. Try the mantra: "I am peaceful. I find softness in my heart. May I be gentle on myself."
“Breaking Through Like A Lotus”
Lighter days are ahead. Just like the lotus flower, we can move through even the toughest of challenges and murky water, emerging stronger and more beautiful on the other side. Feel your roots grounding you into the earth… Feel your gentle heartbeat and slow down the breath…. Feel connected to yourself, and to nature… It is within us to rise through challenge, just as the lotus flower does.
Spring-Themed Meditations For Children
From body scans to visualisations to sending loving kindness, inviting this practice into your home and/or classroom can be a lovely shared activity to help draw in calm while supporting the wellbeing of the whole family and children you support.
“Calming, Blue Sky” ~ Meditation For Families, Children and For Those Who Support Children
Get cosy, close the eyes, and shake out all the wiggles! Relax the whole body, shoulders, face, jaw, tummy, arms, hands, legs and feet. Imagine resting on a soft ,white, fluffy cloud, all comfy and cosy...It feels so nice to be here...You look up and see the bright blue sky above you... You are so warm here, the sun shining down on your face... All your worries are melting away...
“Cosy, Fluffy Bunnies” ~ Meditation For Families, Children and For Those Who Support Children
Lie down and let your whole body relax...Close down your eyes, or place something over them. You feel all cosy just like a fluffy bunny settling down for the night! Slow down your breath as you lay here all floppy and relaxed... Imagine a lovely fluffy bunny comes hopping over to you! It makes it way to you slowly and quietly... It wants to say hello!
“Happy Hippo” Meditation For Children, Families And Those Who Support Children
Let's settle in, close the eyes and relax whole body. Imagine you're a happy hippo laying in the sunshine, feeling the warmth on your belly and face! Let yourself be really floppy like a relaxed hippo ~ You are in the perfect place! Sink into stillness and peace here.
