Secure bases

Our secure bases give us the safety we need to be able to take on challenges.

As "daring" to live becomes hard work, we need all the more "caring"

so we can hold on and make it through.

What secure bases can you rely on? Who cares most about your well-being? Where do you feel at home?  What are you looking forward to?

What brings you peace?...

For me, certain values I hold dear help to pull me through difficult times. I can also feel quite strengthened by a walk in the woods. My two cats keep me company when my emotions are overwhelming. And I know a handful of close friends

are as ready to listen as I am with them.

Originating in leadership development, the concept of secure bases was later

applied to grieving by Dutch coach and trainer Jakob van Wielink, also faculty mentor with the Portland Institute for Loss and Transition. Van Wielink points to the importance of choosing to connect with others as a way to be a trustworthy, safe base to them in daring times. When going through grief or conflict, take the time to define your secure bases: you can do this, but you can't do it alone.

 American psychologist, mediator and leadership consultant George Kohlrieser

defines a secure base as"a person, place, goal or object that provides a sense of protection,

safety and caring, and offers a source of inspiration and energy for daring, exploration,

risk taking and seeking challenge” (from Care to Dare, 2012).