I recently watched Eve Ensler’s TED talk, What Security Means to Me. It sparked a lot of consideration, analysis, and questions within me, as I truly asked myself - how am I secure? What does security mean to me? This topic is something all of us face; whether or not we know we’re protecting our security in everyday actions, this is not only something that can help us, but it can greatly hinder us as well.

Eve Ensler suggests that the nature of security for oneself, is that it isn’t very secure at all. When one is so deeply engrossed in the nature of their own security, and constantly worried about being secure in themselves and in the world around them, it leaves little room to branch out of their comfort zone. One becomes very “inside themselves," putting themselves in very strict boxes when identifying themselves, not traveling too far outside of their inner circle, becoming trapped, so to speak, in this false sense of security. Because when one runs from insecurity, emotions, new places, new faces, new situations, and certain thoughts that do not heed to that secure state of mind, one actually loses the security they hoped for. This, like most things can be tied to our emotional needs, as well as some of our survival instincts as well. Though, when that sense of security trickles into hindering us from branching out of our everyday comfort zone, we aren’t very secure in ourselves at all.

Eve speaks of a new paradigm, wherein many are finding a new sense of security within themselves by giving up their external security. Whether this be standing up for what one believes in, putting one’s life on the line for a cause or a belief, or helping others in times of duress and conflict, when these strong people put themselves out there, putting their own security on the line in order to make sure others feel safe, they gain a sense of security in themselves. To do this, to find this sense of security in oneself, one must already have that sense of safety in knowing that losing some security may mean more for others. They must have a found sense of emotional security to be confident enough to act in a way that puts their own physical security on the line. However, seeing this is essential for the “new paradigm" Ensler speaks of, as these people will inspire others to do the same, creating a new way of thinking, and a newfound sense of security.

I think we can all stand to lose some of our personal security and delve a little deeper into taking risks, unlatching from our own circle of safety, and trying new things. This is important for both personal growth, as well as growth and change in the world around us. Ask yourself today: how do you stay secure? How does this help or hinder your growth, and how will you step up from this?