A Place No One Can Take Away

A Relaxation Practice for Helping Professionals

This relaxation practice was offered by Dr. Marina Livshits during a VELA Well-being meeting to support helping professionals coping with stress and circumstances beyond their control.

Sometimes life does not go the way we planned. We cannot always change our circumstances, control what happens around us, or be physically close to the people we love.

But there is something no one can take away from us:

our ability to dream.

Take a moment to sit comfortably and breathe slowly.

Ask yourself:

Where would I like to be right now?

Imagine a place where you feel safe, peaceful, and happy. It might be a warm beach, mountains, a forest, warm water, your home, or a place that exists only in your imagination.

Allow yourself to be there.

What do you see?

What do you hear?

What can you smell?

What do you feel against your skin?

Notice the warmth, the light, the sounds, and the sensations around you.

Now imagine the people you love. They may be close to you or very far away. Perhaps you are physically unable to hug them right now.

Imagine their faces.

Smile at them and imagine them smiling back.

Remember their voices, their familiar scent, and the feeling of their presence.

Imagine hugging them.

Tell them:

I love you.
I miss you.
I am grateful for you.

Stay there together for a few moments.

Now gently notice your body. Where are you still holding tension?

Breathe into that place and invite it to soften. Imagine that the warmth, water, sunlight, fresh air, or sounds around you are helping your body relax.

Take another slow breath.

Before returning, remember this place. Remember how it looks, sounds, smells, and feels.

You can return to it in your imagination whenever you need a moment of safety, warmth, connection, or peace.

When you are ready, gently open your eyes.

And ask yourself:

What did I need most in the place I imagined?

There is no need to judge or analyze your answer. Simply notice.

Sometimes we cannot change what is happening around us. But our dreams can remind us of what we love, what we need, and what remains meaningful within us.

Adapted from a relaxation practice offered by Dr. Marina Livshits during a VELA Well-being meeting.