AHHHH--such searching questions.....and they have come at a good time for me.....
sound like some that could be put in a spiritual journey journal (say that 3x fast, LOL)

In Eastern religions, it is centering, chi, or other names.....finding center
balance, peace....within so it can be carried with you.
It is often difficult for me to keep focused in it when there is much turmoil inside. I have written a description of my "centering place" from how to get there to vivid descriptions of surroundings. JUst had a thought--could tape record it and use it for a "guided meditation" of sorts...hmmmm

I lost my childhood safe place not to fire, but to getting married and leaving "home". Each time we visited parents, I would go there and sit with a very special adult friend. Then she and her husband decided to move and sell the house and property......though i have a couple of special things from that place, physically it is gone from me.......but it is part of my internal comfort place......and i still miss the physical place after 10 or more years. her new home is just not the same....

do I have your permission to copy your questions and ponder them more deeply for myself?