Lesson 3: Creating a Healing Space
Your environment plays a role in signalling safety to your nervous system. This lesson guides you in creating a cosy, soothing space that signals reassurance to your mind, body and soul, making deep relaxation and structured rests more effective.
Why Your Healing Space Matters
When your nervous system is dysregulated, it is constantly scanning for danger. Even if you are lying down, your body may not be truly resting if your environment feels chaotic, stressful, or uncomfortable.
Your external space mirrors your internal state. By creating a soft, nurturing place that feels safe, your nervous system begins to shift towards healing. This doesn’t have to be perfect —and if it’s too difficult for you, just choose one option below that seems possible for now. We want to help you start to feel at ease.
The Nervous System and Your Surroundings
A healing space is not just to be physically comfortable—it should also feel emotionally safe. Your nervous system is constantly picking up signals, including visual clutter, noise levels, and even unfinished tasks that create a sense of urgency. Creating a space that feels peaceful can support you on a deep level.
Consider removing or moving stress-inducing items—such as unpaid bills, work-related materials, or reminders of responsibilities – from your resting area. These subtle stressors can keep your nervous system engaged in problem-solving mode, making it harder to settle into this healing work. Instead, allow this space to become a sanctuary—a place where your body and mind receive the message that they can truly surrender.
Small Steps to Start
If the idea of creating a healing space feels overwhelming, know that even one small change can begin to shift your nervous system toward safety.
Start with just one thing from the next section. Each small step is a message to your nervous system: You are safe. You are supported.
How to Create Your Healing Nook
- A Soft Blanket or a Weighted Blanket: A very soft to the touch new blanket works wonders, or the gentle pressure of a weighted one can soothe you.
- A Comfortable Chair, Sofa, or Bed Setup: Choose a place where your body can fully relax, with pillows to support your head, legs, or lower back. If you have been bedbound, you might like to choose a sofa or chair in a different room for daytime rests to signal a fresh era.
- Dimmable or Warm Lighting: Harsh lighting can keep your nervous system on high alert, so you could use soft, warm lights or fairy lights.
- Gentle Sound Options: Try soft earplugs, noise-cancelling headphones, or playing nature sounds, meditative music, or my guided meditations.
- An Object That Feels Comforting: I always recommend a teddy bear, but you might also like a small stone, or a handwritten note with a loving message to yourself, a meaningful photograph.
If this feels overwhelming, start small. Even creating one tiny change can make a difference.
Your journey is unfolding. There is no rush, no deadline - only the present moment. Breathe and know that by taking these steps you are showing loving kindness to your self.
If it feels right, you can return tomorrow for your next lesson. But if you feel called to continue now, you are welcome to explore the next step.
📌 Click here to go to the next lesson: Softening Your Internal Environment →
