Foundations - Week 2

Welcome to Week 2

Here is a brief summary of the concepts that will be presented this week. However, if you like a little mystery and surprise, feel free to jump right into the next post - Environment.

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What is it?

Safety and security needs are foundational human requirements for physical, emotional, and psychological stability. In Maslow’s hierarchy, they come right after physiological needs like food and shelter. When these needs are met, individuals feel protected, stable, and able to focus on growth and connection. When unmet, they may experience anxiety, hypervigilance, or withdrawal.

An overview of this week's concepts.

• Environment - Few would argue the importance of having a safe space and protection from violence, accidents, and natural disasters. Yet, many underestimate the harm caused by toxic relationships, stressful workplaces, and bullying in schools. T

• A safe, stable, and predictable environment - whether at home, school, or in the community - creates a sense of physical and emotional security.

• Personal Energy - Some things in life drain our motivation, optimism, and performance—inducing stress, anxiety, and fatigue. Others do the opposite, energizing and uplifting us.

  
  

  • The Drain/Gain deck (see Trek Deck page) is dedicated to exploring these dynamics through engaging games and activities.

• Fear - Fear distorts truth, manipulates people, and blocks personal and professional growth. It keeps individuals stuck in survival mode. While fear is powerful, there are many effective ways to overcome it.

  
  

  • Chronic fear - whether from trauma, instability, or uncertainty - can erode trust and emotional regulation.

• Coping Skills - Foundations is designed to be fun and to encourage stepping outside your comfort zone. Your journey is supported with tools and strategies that offer long-term benefits and build resilience.

• Coping strategies help manage stress, uncertainty, and emotional pain. Strong coping skills restore a sense of control and resilience.

  
  

• Health - When was the last time you did a thorough assessment of your health—and explored ways to improve it? Physical and mental health are core to feeling secure and capable.

  
  

  • Physical and mental health are core to feeling safe. Access to healthcare, nutrition, and emotional support reinforces stability and reduces vulnerability.

    
    

• Financial Literacy - This begins with securing a reliable income and grows into building financial stability. A strong financial foundation reduces stress and enables you to pursue personal goals with confidence.

• Understanding money—how to earn, save, and spend—empowers individuals to navigate life with more stability and less fear of scarcity.

  
  

Chronic insecurity—such as job loss or unsafe housing—can lead to anxiety, depression, and trauma. Societies that prioritize safety and security tend to be more stable, productive, and cooperative. This social cohesion is the focus of Week 3 in the model.

Hopefully, this gives you a sneak peek into the week ahead. Challenge yourself with these concepts, and share them with others—you never know when a single idea or activity might spark something transformative and set you on an exciting new path.

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Checkpoint: Something to consider today...

How are your work/school, home and social environments impacting you? Do

they build you up or are they tearing you down? Is it time for some changes?