Dear Reader, As with most letters to you, this one too starts early in the morning. I’m sitting on the yoga mat in the living room, between the fireplace on my right and the coffee table on my left. I’m facing the windows and I watch as a cloud shaped like a warrior on horseback drifts into sight. I’m impressed by how low the rider is bent over his horse and how the two appear as one as they ride steadily across the sky and disappear from view. I wonder where they’re headed and what they’re chasing, and on the heels of that thought, I wonder what it means to leave some place and what it means to belong, though those two - to leave and to belong- are not necessarily opposites.
Dear Priya, I love this post and your investigation into the idea of belonging; your exploration of what belonging is; and I adore both footnotes you've shared - the words and the authors. For me, perhaps belonging involves having the courage to love and accept myself fully and unapologetically. Radical self-acceptance and loving kindness towards myself which I can then extend outwards towards others. I feel I have moments of this, but sometimes I create suffering for myself too. A friend said to me that the most important relationship in her life is her relationship with herself. For me, perhaps that relationship also involves my "higher-self" / inner divinity too. I know I feel best and most loving and accepting of myself and others when I connect with my inner divinity, and I have to continually remember to do that😁 Have a lovely Sunday afternoon! It's such a treat to read your writing❤️🙏🕊
Camilla, thank you for sharing what belonging means for you. I find it fascinating that we offer something (acceptance, love, etc.) to ourselves and that then is something we can offer others. I’ve chased belonging for most of my life and feel I only touched the tip of the iceberg here. It was great hearing from you!
Priya, that was a great post. I like your About page; it was nicely done. I had a hard time feeling like I belonged to anything for many years. Some significant trauma in my life had been left undealt with, and it wasn't until I faced it and opened up about it that I felt I had the freedom to belong to anything. This past year has been one of self-acceptance and seeking my place in the world. I am still determining exactly where it will lead, but I love being on this platform and the community here. I am doing some personal soul-searching on the spiritual level. I am taking each day as it comes and embracing what the day has to offer.
Matthew, I loved what you wrote: “..it wasn't until I faced it and opened up about it that I felt I had the freedom to belong to anything. ” I can resonate with trauma, non-belonging, and coming back with oneself. Thank you for reading and sharing! Much appreciated!
Thank you for sharing your belonging story. It made me think and wonder about my own. You’re right. It’s complex. Belonging works on many levels for me. I belong in this world and in my family. I’ve always belonged in the Jewish community but sometimes felt left out. Since Oct 7 14 million of us feel like family, a strong community. We aren’t going anywhere. We belong. 🙏
I can picture you on your yoga mat as you describe with fireplace to the right and coffee table to the left as you look out the window at the clouds. That is my exact same configuration and view at my house when I am on my yoga mat in the morning. :)
As for belonging. I never felt like I belonged. Anywhere. I worked hard to make myself small so when I was somewhere I wouldn't be a bother and get kicked out or turned away. So, belonging is a complicated subject and yet a beautiful word. We all want to and yet most of us likely feel like we don't at some point in our lives.
Belonging to me now? Hmmmm. I feel like a belong in this place at this time with these people. I know I do. As for anyone or anywhere else. It doesn't matter so much to me anymore. I don't know if that's an age thing? Mind you, I haven't ventured out too much these days, so I'll see if that still holds true once I do. I hope so.
P.S. On your about page. I noticed the date for your fiction debut needs a little tweak: Coming on Feb 9th, 20224.
Hello, Kim! You are right. It is complicated, and made more so because many times it isn’t a steady state. I agree that age can help.
I feel like I touched the tip of my belonging, or rather non-belonging, story. I’ve found that sometimes it’s so painful it can only be approached in a sideways fashion, for example, how it impacted my writing rather than addressing what it did to me. Thank you for sharing your story. Also, I corrected the number on the About page. Thanks!
What a beautiful contemplative post, again, Priya. The thought of belonging touches a chord, probably in all of us. For me, belonging is feeling grounded, safe. Like no matter where I go, I know that somewhere I do—or have—belonged, and wherever I am, all will be well. Thanks for this. Also I like your About page and wonderful that your debut novel will be making an appearance in February!
"Belonging asks me to allow myself to be seen, and for you, to hold space and to see." - That is a beautiful, touching sentiment. I resonate with this a lot. Even just one person seeing you makes you feel seen and whole. Wonderful post, as all posts of yours, Priya! Also, I love your new about page. The graphic you created is gorgeous, and I look forward to reading your novel soon!
Thankyou Priya for the intro to Brene Brown, who echoes my thoughts on belonging. My closest friends are mostly passed, my children are mostly scattered, yet I am nor alone for I share with folk like yourself... AND with https://suzannetaylor.substack.com/an-essay-contest-is-launched Please take a look and help her share with your readers on all mediums. Peace, Maurice
Belonging is dynamic and changes through the course of life, and it’s something we can build. Thanks, Maurice, and will take a look at the link for the essay contest!
And now I am looking out my window. Looking at the clouds. Wondering if the warrior on his horse are charging into view. I can hear the gallop coming :)
It is, and it is similar to happily ever after in that it’s not a permanent state of happiness or belonging. It changes as people change, and with life changes. Thanks, Stace!
For some of us warriors, there is no end, it is sufficient to occasionally revisit one's families and old communities, or for them to visit us as base camp. For we belong principally unto ourselves, there is no loneliness. As Mike Stone sang, "Don't be afraid to stand on your own, It's the only time you're not Alone". Peace, Maurice
Thank you for sharing your beautiful reflection on the experience of belonging. Your words capture how deeply personal and transformative the journey of finding a sense of belonging can be. It's inspiring to hear how your passion for tea, teatime, home, and interior design became a vehicle for self-expression and connection with others. Your story resonates with the idea that sharing what we love with others can bring us a sense of completeness and joy. Your vulnerability and authenticity shine through your writing, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences of belonging. Keep sharing your stories – they can touch hearts and inspire others to embrace their sense of belonging.
Mary, welcome to the Ten Thousand Journeys community! Belonging is one of those ideas- intensely personal yet one that each one of us longs for. Thank you for reading and for your support.
Dear Priya, I love this post and your investigation into the idea of belonging; your exploration of what belonging is; and I adore both footnotes you've shared - the words and the authors. For me, perhaps belonging involves having the courage to love and accept myself fully and unapologetically. Radical self-acceptance and loving kindness towards myself which I can then extend outwards towards others. I feel I have moments of this, but sometimes I create suffering for myself too. A friend said to me that the most important relationship in her life is her relationship with herself. For me, perhaps that relationship also involves my "higher-self" / inner divinity too. I know I feel best and most loving and accepting of myself and others when I connect with my inner divinity, and I have to continually remember to do that😁 Have a lovely Sunday afternoon! It's such a treat to read your writing❤️🙏🕊
Camilla, thank you for sharing what belonging means for you. I find it fascinating that we offer something (acceptance, love, etc.) to ourselves and that then is something we can offer others. I’ve chased belonging for most of my life and feel I only touched the tip of the iceberg here. It was great hearing from you!
p.s. I had missed your p.s. about your About page, and I just took a look and it's fantastic and you're inspiring me to tidy mine up too!🥰✨🌟💖🙏🕊️
Priya, that was a great post. I like your About page; it was nicely done. I had a hard time feeling like I belonged to anything for many years. Some significant trauma in my life had been left undealt with, and it wasn't until I faced it and opened up about it that I felt I had the freedom to belong to anything. This past year has been one of self-acceptance and seeking my place in the world. I am still determining exactly where it will lead, but I love being on this platform and the community here. I am doing some personal soul-searching on the spiritual level. I am taking each day as it comes and embracing what the day has to offer.
Matthew, I loved what you wrote: “..it wasn't until I faced it and opened up about it that I felt I had the freedom to belong to anything. ” I can resonate with trauma, non-belonging, and coming back with oneself. Thank you for reading and sharing! Much appreciated!
Thank you for sharing your belonging story. It made me think and wonder about my own. You’re right. It’s complex. Belonging works on many levels for me. I belong in this world and in my family. I’ve always belonged in the Jewish community but sometimes felt left out. Since Oct 7 14 million of us feel like family, a strong community. We aren’t going anywhere. We belong. 🙏
Hello, Carissa. You are so right about that. 🙏🏽 Thank you for reading and sharing.
Hi Priya.
I can picture you on your yoga mat as you describe with fireplace to the right and coffee table to the left as you look out the window at the clouds. That is my exact same configuration and view at my house when I am on my yoga mat in the morning. :)
As for belonging. I never felt like I belonged. Anywhere. I worked hard to make myself small so when I was somewhere I wouldn't be a bother and get kicked out or turned away. So, belonging is a complicated subject and yet a beautiful word. We all want to and yet most of us likely feel like we don't at some point in our lives.
Belonging to me now? Hmmmm. I feel like a belong in this place at this time with these people. I know I do. As for anyone or anywhere else. It doesn't matter so much to me anymore. I don't know if that's an age thing? Mind you, I haven't ventured out too much these days, so I'll see if that still holds true once I do. I hope so.
P.S. On your about page. I noticed the date for your fiction debut needs a little tweak: Coming on Feb 9th, 20224.
Hello, Kim! You are right. It is complicated, and made more so because many times it isn’t a steady state. I agree that age can help.
I feel like I touched the tip of my belonging, or rather non-belonging, story. I’ve found that sometimes it’s so painful it can only be approached in a sideways fashion, for example, how it impacted my writing rather than addressing what it did to me. Thank you for sharing your story. Also, I corrected the number on the About page. Thanks!
What a beautiful contemplative post, again, Priya. The thought of belonging touches a chord, probably in all of us. For me, belonging is feeling grounded, safe. Like no matter where I go, I know that somewhere I do—or have—belonged, and wherever I am, all will be well. Thanks for this. Also I like your About page and wonderful that your debut novel will be making an appearance in February!
Thank you, Jeanine, for reading and sharing your perspective! Much appreciated!
"Belonging asks me to allow myself to be seen, and for you, to hold space and to see." - That is a beautiful, touching sentiment. I resonate with this a lot. Even just one person seeing you makes you feel seen and whole. Wonderful post, as all posts of yours, Priya! Also, I love your new about page. The graphic you created is gorgeous, and I look forward to reading your novel soon!
Nadia, as always, thank you for taking the time to read and to share your thoughts! I appreciate it!
I appreciate you, Priya!
Love this. Great questions for me to reflect on further.
PS I can see the bear on the bike!
Thank you for reading, Hayley! I’m glad you liked it. The best part for me is that you spotted the bear on the bike!💕
Thankyou Priya for the intro to Brene Brown, who echoes my thoughts on belonging. My closest friends are mostly passed, my children are mostly scattered, yet I am nor alone for I share with folk like yourself... AND with https://suzannetaylor.substack.com/an-essay-contest-is-launched Please take a look and help her share with your readers on all mediums. Peace, Maurice
Belonging is dynamic and changes through the course of life, and it’s something we can build. Thanks, Maurice, and will take a look at the link for the essay contest!
This was wonderful, Priya. I really liked the way you lead into this piece — by telling us about where you were as you wrote, it was masterfully done.
I also agree that a part of what we’re doing with writing is trying to find a sense of belonging, both in ourselves and with others.
“... and forget that setting off on a journey changes you.” — I also loved this line! I couldn’t agree more.
Thanks Priya.
Michael, thank you for reading. It’s great to belong to a supportive writing community!
And now I am looking out my window. Looking at the clouds. Wondering if the warrior on his horse are charging into view. I can hear the gallop coming :)
From years of reading clouds, I can tell you that half the journey is wanting to see things where there might be none.
Thank you for reading and commenting!
When the hero is done with his adventuring, he always returns home, to his family, to his community. Belonging is really the whole point!
It is, and it is similar to happily ever after in that it’s not a permanent state of happiness or belonging. It changes as people change, and with life changes. Thanks, Stace!
For some of us warriors, there is no end, it is sufficient to occasionally revisit one's families and old communities, or for them to visit us as base camp. For we belong principally unto ourselves, there is no loneliness. As Mike Stone sang, "Don't be afraid to stand on your own, It's the only time you're not Alone". Peace, Maurice
Thanks Priya, and yes please look, and maybe submit, maybe restack.... Peace, Maurice
Thank you for sharing your beautiful reflection on the experience of belonging. Your words capture how deeply personal and transformative the journey of finding a sense of belonging can be. It's inspiring to hear how your passion for tea, teatime, home, and interior design became a vehicle for self-expression and connection with others. Your story resonates with the idea that sharing what we love with others can bring us a sense of completeness and joy. Your vulnerability and authenticity shine through your writing, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences of belonging. Keep sharing your stories – they can touch hearts and inspire others to embrace their sense of belonging.
Mary, welcome to the Ten Thousand Journeys community! Belonging is one of those ideas- intensely personal yet one that each one of us longs for. Thank you for reading and for your support.