Not really. Nowhere is 100% protected from pain, hurt, loss, meanness, betrayal, disappointment, or whatever.
There are, however, safer spaces. The more power we have to foster such environments for others, and the more wisely we can choose such places for ourselves, the better.
But in the end, everywhere is risky. Every space, every environment, every relationship. Even the safest spaces are not invulnerable. So the sooner we can stop being surprised at the inherent danger of being humans who live among other humans, the better.
Yes, safety is good. But it’s not everything. A life of hyper-vigilance and constant threat mitigation is no way to live. To live is a risk. Risk is unsurprised acceptance that something distasteful will happen.
At some point you have to just live your life and receive what comes. At some point you have to tell yourself, like Gandalf to Frodo, “It’s dangerous business, Self, going out your front door,” and then just step out resolutely onto the path before you. At some point, like Jesus, you just have to head back to the garden where you enjoy meeting with your inner circle, and then not be surprised when the betrayer knows where to find you.
