The Power of Safety in Growth and Transformation
Newsletter No. 8 - June 24, 2025
On the solstice I hiked a trail from our new home to the breathtaking Balcone di Santa Maria, overlooking the deep Orfento Valley. Around me, I heard the rush of the river below and the chatter of vibrant birds. I sat there, letting the peace of the space wash over me.
“This place ignites a profound sense of safety,” I thought. “From here, I can access my inner world; I can hear my thoughts more clearly and feel my emotions more deeply.” I took a moment to anchor this sensation in my body, knowing I would revisit it again and again.
Ryan taking in the views on Balcone di Santa Maria.
The Life Path Toward Inner Safety
Life, for me, has been a path of deep reflection and growth. Along this winding road, I’ve sought to understand myself physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I’ve leaned on mentors and nurturing spaces that have helped me heal and grow, allowing me to reevaluate what safety truly means and how it shapes us.
Recently, I’ve been pondering my purpose, a question my Rolfing clients often ask, “What is it you’re actually doing? Why do you do this?”
At its core, my work is about creating safe spaces. I guide my clients in building their own sense of embodied safety. This process requires resilience and presence to uncover and release patterns that keep us stuck. But the rewards are transformational. Safety is the foundation that enables us to thrive, even amidst the chaos of life.
What Does Internal Safety Feel Like?
I like to compare it to the alignment of the human spine (I am a Rolfer, after all). When your spine is aligned, and the body’s diaphragms operate in harmony, your breath flows freely and restoratively. The alignment opens up space for vitality and balance.
Safety works the same way, it realigns all your autonomic systems. When safety is online, everything else in your body can flow naturally. Energy returns. You can finally exhale.
But a lack of safety? That triggers tension, blame, shame, or any number of emotional blockages. I’ve walked this path myself, reflecting deeply on moments when I felt chronically unsafe. Connecting the dots between external triggers and my internal experience helped me recognize just how crucial cultivating safety is.
Why Safety Matters for Growth and Success
Think for a moment about the daily responsibilities and pressures that overwhelm you. It may be navigating family dynamics, balancing a demanding career, or grappling with self-doubt. Now think about how often those stressors leave you paralyzed, stuck in place.
Without internal safety, it’s tough to show up for ourselves fully. It’s even harder to expand into areas like pleasure, creativity, or connection with others. This foundation is essential—not a "nice to have," but a "must-have."
Creating that foundational safety is like building a sanctuary. It allows us to reclaim energy we didn’t even realize was drained, unlock emotional resources, and tap into our deepest essence.
My dogs are a big resource for me and help me connect to safety. Here, they are chilling in the new garden space, fenced in a secure, which makes us all happy.
How You Can Create Your Safe Space
Creating a sense of safety within yourself is your first step toward growth and transformation. Here’s how you can begin the process:
1. Reflect on When You Felt Unsafe
Identify moments in your life when you felt a lack of safety. Were those moments tied to physical surroundings, relationships, or internal beliefs? What do you feel in your body when you visualize these moments? Becoming aware of these narratives will help you unpack their impact.
2. Reconnect with Your Breath
Use your breath as a grounding tool. When life feels out of control, taking a moment to breathe deeply engages your nervous system, helping you reconnect with your inner calm.
3. Seek Out Mentors or Guides
Much like I’ve leaned on safe, trusted mentors in my life, you too can find someone who provides a sense of stability and support. Whether it’s a coach or a close confidant, lean into those relationships.
4. Build Boundaries That Feel Right
Safety also involves creating boundaries that honor your needs. It could be saying no to roles or commitments that drain you or redefining the way you show up in stressful dynamics.
5. Revisit Your Relationship with Pleasure
Pleasure does not just refer to physical intimacy. It can also mean welcoming beauty, joy, and presence into everyday moments. Start small. Find pleasure in a morning latte or the way sunlight filters through a window.
Surrounding myself in nature and taking time to notice all the wildflowers fills my cup.
Cultivate Safety, Transform Your Life
At the end of the day, safety isn’t a luxury. It’s essential. And the good news is that it’s something we can cultivate intentionally.
When safety is present, we can explore the parts of ourselves we didn’t dare to approach before. We step into deeper empowerment, find alignment with our truths, and ultimately feel free to thrive.
If this resonates with you, know that you don’t have to walk the path alone. Safe, intentional growth is what I help my clients create every single day. Feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start? Together, we’ll build the container you need to reconnect with your essence and tap into your deep inner wisdom.
Schedule Your Free Clarity Call Today
With love and gratitude,
Hanni
P.S. All recipients of this newsletter get 20% off your first coaching package. Contact me if you have any questions or book a free 1 hour clarity call!
