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Mukta’s has defined safe space in her post itself by defining what is not the safe space, ‘Having had the experience of being in teams with colleagues where I could be authentic, I now have a hyper awareness of when this safe space is not present.’ The safe space, like the Singularity, has no dimensions and therefore can only be defined by what it is not.

Safe space is a matter of perception. It can only be described as where one is surrounded with congenial atmosphere and by understanding people who are at the same wavelength and who make each and every one welcome, authentic, and simply understood, not judged.

When there are more than one, there will always be the space, safety of which will always be relative depending on the thoughts, actions, and reaction of others, and where consideration for others will always be essential for the safety. It is the dependence on others that will always threaten this safety of space and the peace of mind. Indian spiritual philosophy confirms the same thing by saying that ‘Paradheen sapneyei sukh naahin’, meaning dependent ones should not even dream of happiness.

This philosophy prescribes the ideal solution which is totally eliminating this space by voluntary renunciations, by meditating to bring the heart and mind as close as possible, and by focusing on the ultimate Singularity. However, this approach is not practical in our worldly existence. The second best therefore is far more practical; that of tolerance and coexistence, creating your own limits and thresholds, non-interference and minding your own business.

Being aggressive is desirable, being offensive is not; to tolerate is desirable, becoming intolerant is not; to judge is essential, being judgmental is not; having an opinion is normal, being opiniated is not; to depend on is necessary, becoming dependent is not; to look after your own self-interests is essential, being selfish is not. These can be some of the resources that can help you to create your safe space, to achieve peace of your mind and sustain happiness in your life.

A turtle is the best example who carries its own safe space with it rather than depending on others. When it perceives danger, it withdraws in its own safe space rather than becoming offensive; and sticks its neck out only when it perceives it to be safe. That is the secret of the longest surviving living species on the planet. The principle applies to us all and can be the key to our own happiness.

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