We started the week with a theme of taking care of first things first, referring to an order or sequence for progression. Yesterday we introduced Maslow's Hierarchy of needs and noted that foundationally physiological needs must be satisfied. The next level of needs has to do with safety. This is both physical safety and psychological safety and it allows for a level of predictability and normalcy to be present. When we feel safe we have the ability to be open to explore, learn, and engage in new things. We have the ability to enhance our experience without fear or anxiety. While we tend to pay attention to physical safety, psychological safety sometimes gets underrated. Having environments that do not require us to be on the alert harmful situations helps to provide greater ability to focus on things we want to learn or experience. When we don't feel safe our focus turns to protection and it impacts our behaviors and interactions with others. It is important that we seek out places that provide both physical and psychological safety to share, learn, and grow in authenticity. When in positions of authority we must do our part to provide and demand safe spaces for others. When we feel safe we are able to grow. Next time we will talk about Love & Belonging.
