Creating Psychological Safety

This summer, I have spent much time wandering about outdoors. Recently, I had an hour to myself and spent it walking down the rows of cottages in a lake front community. The rows of uniquely decorated, inviting homes reminded me of another time in which I wandered. It was in a little niche of a space called Lilydale in southwest New York. My father always took us to the coolest places as kids...they just so happened to be next to lakes he liked to fish. Lilydale is a historic spiritualist community on a serene lake. I remember exploring Lilydale at a young age, maybe 9 or 10. I found it peaceful and, more importantly, I remember feeling safe. And by “safe” I mean that I did not feel judged or harshly viewed for being a child who explored their tiny town. I investigated the aging homes and lake grounds, playing and having my own adventures while my dad fished to his heart’s content. It made me think, when in my life do I experience feelings of safety? When in my daily life, do I feel secure to explore and investigate and have adventures? And what are those moments contributing to? My growth and well-being? To creativity and ingenuity? More importantly, do I create this for others at home or at work? As a hobby, I am a woman who explores the outdoors with her camera, and to my spouse’s dismay, I rarely think of safety concerns when I am behind the lens. I can focus and breathe without thinking and I feel capable using my camera. At work, I create safety through the practice of curiosity; I seek to understand first and I draw others ideas out before sharing my own. What about you? Where do you find psychological safety to learn or to explore? And how do you create this for others? In what ways do you see benefits of creating psychological safety for others at work or home? I am eager to hear your thoughts.