Belonging is the sense of ease and joy we feel when we are truly present, and this is possible in any moment alone, or with others. Often, we don’t feel like we belong because we’re caught up in feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and doubt. Feelings of not belonging can be learned over time and lead us to think there’s something wrong with us, that we’re not enough—but, by the very nature of our birth and our existence, we are enough and we all belong.
At its simplest, mindfulness is paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, nonjudgmentally. That nonjudgmental part is actually imbued with kindness and care. When we can ground and love ourselves, belonging is possible.
Mindfulness helps us remember the truth of our belonging by allowing us to experience the ease and joy of truly belonging at any moment.
But our minds can have a hard time staying grounded in the present. It’s our meditation practice that can help us connect to our body and our breath, allowing us to build our capacity to be present with what is with kindness and care. And when we’re…