Cultivating a Culture of Safety and Security through Gentle Teaching

In the pursuit of instilling feelings of safety and security, a profound reflection on our actions and approach is essential. The pivotal question to ask ourselves is, “What do we symbolize to the individual—love or domination?” The clarity emerges when we view the person as our equal, establishing our connection as one of brotherhood and sisterhood. Our commitment lies in ensuring that our presence inherently conveys a sense of safety and security, even when faced with rejection, disruption, or, challenging as it may be, moments of violence.

The core of our interactions must radiate warmth, serenity, and tolerance.

From the very outset, it is imperative to ensure that the individual interprets our presence as a manifestation of nonviolence. Warmth should emanate from a genuine desire to connect with the other person on a profound level. This requires a conscious effort to restrain typical reactions such as demands, harshness, and objectivity. The caregiving process, being deeply personal, demands the evocation of feelings akin to friendship. Initially, acceptance may not be immediate, especially when the person’s history is rooted in the belief that control is the norm. However, with time, our consistent embodiment of safety and security will pave the way for a transformative perception on the part of the individual.

“Our interactions have to signal warmth, serenity, and tolerance.”

John McGee