After weeks of back and forth whilst consolidating clinics, there is the moment of stillness when I turn into my driveway… I am home. I can close the door and all that I love and need is available for me. And by that I mean, the safety, security and comfort of my space and all that is within it.
We often underestimate, or not even consider, the importance of our homes in our mental health and wellbeing. So many of our basic needs can be found in our homes.. Consider Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs… shelter, warmth, sleep, safety, security. Only when we have our basic needs met can we meet our psychological and self fulfillment needs.
So start at home. Create your own place of security and safety. This may be your entire home and the way it smells, familiar sounds from the kitchen and the click of the door closing behind you as you enter. It could be your bedroom and the feel of your favourite sheets and pillows and the weight of the blanket against your skin; your creative space where you can explore without restriction and draw, sing, play or move your body. The warmth of the shower or sinking into a bath as you breath in the steaming air. It may be the view from a window lined with treasured knickknacks and photos where you can watch leaves move in the breeze and the birds seek their breakfast. Perhaps it’s just under your favourite tree in your yard where you can hide away for just a little while.
So this Spring remember it is more than cleaning, it is connecting…. for if you don’t have a base to launch from then how can you ever fly.