Sense of Belonging

"The greatest thing in the world is to know how to belong to oneself."

Michel De Montaigne

When we listen to our favorite sounds, whether the ocean or birds in nature, do we ask ourselves questions? If not, it is a missed opportunity. We can learn more about ourselves and heal hidden wounds. Do we flinch when we hear angry words or experience fear in certain circumstances? What emotion is lingering below?

We are surrounded by voices offering opinions or mindlessly chattering. Do we realize how these words are being gathered within our memory bank? Aught we be more selective in our listening? If our body does not discern between fact and fiction, what false leads are being programed?

In conversations, do we listen to what words we choose and do we  ask deliberate questions with genuine interest? If we desire a more meaningful life, perhaps we can begin with forming a more loving relationship with the self. By seeking clarity in our thoughts and words, we will gain a greater sense of belonging to ourselves.

Hang On While Transitioning!

"I know well what I am fleeing from but

not what I am in search of"

Michel de Montaigne

 Life is filled with transitions. Some we see approaching, but there are those we meet at the bend in the road.  Transitions from one experience to another can be joyful, heart rendering or fearful.  Whatever we learn from one transition may not help us with future changes.

Although, sometimes painful, transitions are part of the learning process.  It is the movement after the incubation, the bridge linking us to a new future.  We are not allowed to see clearly into the next stage and sometimes that is a good thing or else we might be overwhelmed.

As we choose our perspective towards our transition, it frames our experience.  Our perspective is colored by our emotions.  If we are fearful and non-trusting, we may face uncertain opportunities.  If we are strong in our sense of self, believing our journey forward will be rewarding, we will still be challenged but the growth will be deeper.  Stay in the present moment, don't get stuck in your past nor overwhelmed by the future.  Just be....but hang on!

Belonging to Me

"The greatest thing in the world

is to know how to belong to oneself."

Michel de Montaigne

What does it mean to belong to oneself'?  Aren't we just stuck with our self?  Isn't life a long quest  to join with others?  To think of being alone with oneself can suggest anxiety, loneliness, or depression.  We have yearnings to belong to a family, friends, a mate or community.  

Passages of time are spent identifying the self, aligning beliefs, and defining preferences.   How can we possibly belong to ourselves when life churns such uncertainty? The process of personal discovery constantly changes recognition.  So does belonging indicate an emotional attachment, not physical?

Belonging is to love the self unconditionally; to recognize the connection with all living things; to accept Divinity; and to value who self is ... ever changing.  When my core is solid, there is safety in belonging to me.  When I honor myself as I am,  my view of the world shifts without fear .  Out of respect for my lovely self,  I nurture my skills, reflecting the joy of belonging to me.