A personal reflection on safe spaces

Assalaamu’alaykum,

I was reminded yesterday of the importance of safe spaces and just how essential they are for the human heart.

Alhamdulillah, I have been blessed throughout my life with a good network of family and friends. People who love, support and hold me with care.
And yet, if I’m honest, there have also been seasons where I have felt deeply alone. Not abandoned, but alone in a more emotional and internal sense.

I think these are natural fluctuations of life.

Sometimes that feeling reflects the environment we find ourselves in. And sometimes, it reflects the inner state we are navigating.
Our capacity, our emotional reserves or the weights we are carrying.

During these seasons, even the simplest day to day tasks can feel heavier. Sensitivity is heightened. Conversations require more effort. Decision making feels foggy.
The heart feels tired and the body feels heavier to move.

This is usually the moment where we need to pause and ask ourselves:

Where are my safe spaces?

“We can’t be brave in the big world without at least one small safe space to work through our fears and falls.” - Brené Brown

From a neuroscience perspective, this question is more than emotional. It is physiological. When we feel psychologically safe, our nervous system begins to down regulate.
The body shifts out of survival mode. Cortisol levels reduce. The breath deepens. The brain moves away from threat scanning and into clarity, reflection and regulation.

Safety allows the nervous system to rest.

And without that rest, the heart remains in a constant state of defence, even when no immediate danger exists.

Sometimes, that safe space is solitude.

There are times in life where solitude is not loneliness, but survival. Stillness creates space. Space for the body to breathe and for the heart to hear the whispers of inner wisdom. Space to see from a higher perspective. And most importantly, space to reconnect deeply with Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala, without outside (or internal!) interference.

In those moments, the soul finds its anchoring again.

At other times, safety requires people.

A person. A group. A coach. A counsellor or therapist. A space where you can speak freely without fear of judgement. Where you can release without worrying about consequences. Where your words do not need to be polished or filtered. Where your humanity is met with compassion, not harshness.

I know there have been many times in my own life where I have needed and reached for, one or all of these spaces.

These spaces are not a luxury. They are a necessity.

And if Allah places even one such space or person in your life, it is a tremendous blessing. One that protects not just your emotional wellbeing, but your spiritual health as well.

Because regulated hearts are able to reflect.

And reflected hearts are able to realign.

So my question for you today is: Where is your safe space?
I’d love for you to hit reply and share, if you feel comfortable doing so.

And speaking of safe spaces, I know many of you have reached out asking when the next Travellers programme will be. Thank you for your patience.

Alhamdulillah, we’ve been quietly working behind the scenes on something quite different from the previous cohorts, something I hope you will experience as both unique and transformational. A great deal of care has gone into shaping a space that supports real change, inner and spiritual realignment, grounding and preparation for the greater journey we are all ultimately travelling toward.

This journey is simply too important to overlook or postpone.

InshaAllah, more will be shared in the coming couple of weeks.

In the meantime, I ask you to please keep this in your duaas, that Allah places barakah in it and that it becomes a source of great benefit and positive change, InshaAllah!

Reflection of the Week

When life feels difficult, where do you instinctively turn to feel safe (after turning to Allah)?

Notice the environments, people or services that have felt comforting in the past.

Dua of the Week

رَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحْمَةً وَهَيِّئْ لَنَا مِنْ أَمْرِنَا رَشَدًا

Rabbana hab lanā min ladunka raḥmah, wa hayyi’ lanā min amrinā rashadā

Our Lord, grant us mercy from Yourself, and facilitate for us right guidance in our affairs.

(Qur’an 18:10)

Allah's name of the Week

Al-Wahhab (The Most Generous Giver, The Bestower of Gifts)

Ya Wahhab, You give without being asked and You gift what the heart does not even know how to name.

You bestow safety, peace and inner anchoring as pure gifts from Your mercy.

Grant us the gift of spaces, moments and connections that allow our hearts to soften, settle and return fully to You.