The delicate balance between feeling safe and vulnerable

native Sanya boy getting coconuts

We all want to feel safe and secure. Yet you can feel imprisoned in your own security. Wanting too much security can limit freedom of movement. Remaining vulnerable is an essential ingredient so we can experience all possibilities of life.

And sometimes feelings of safety could be just feelings, illusionary rather real. One example illustrates the danger of illusionary safety is how Richard broke his ankle.

Richard has been doing some renovation related work on a wobbly ladder for years. One day this summer, he bought a sturdy ladder with wide foot steps. First time he was up, it felt so secure, he forgot that he was on a ladder and stepped sideways. Sure enough, he felt down 6 feet and broke his ankle. With the wobbly ladder, he always knew that he was on a ladder and felt vulnerable. Therefore, he stayed alert and was safe.

Are you safe? Is your security real or illusionary?