Belonging

Living a Positive Life

Lately, I have been thinking about the word “Belonging." It’s such a simple word, yet has a profound meaning. To “belong” means you are accepted as you are. Your presence is not just noticed, it is proclaimed — in the same way one might proclaim an auspicious happening. If I could choose a word for the opposite of loneliness, it would likely be “belonging." “We belong to each other.” This phrase first pushed against my sense of independence and sovereignty. I found myself resistant to the words because it made me feel I had to conform to some obscure set of values or ways of being. However, after a time of contemplation, I have come to understand that we need not give up our sense of self in order to belong to one another. In fact, true belonging is only possible when we respect and value the differences between us. When we are accepted as we are, and not required to become something different to “fit in,” then, and only then, do we really know we belong. We belong to each other, sweet friends. Our hearts are woven together in the fabric of time and commonality of place and purpose. You are welcome and appreciated for who you are at Unity Spiritual Center in the Rockies. In this season of gratitude — I am so very grateful to belong to a community of character and spiritual contribution. Yes, we belong to each other! What a good thing to know in this Holy-Day season!