Belonging and Daring To Think Differently
I had a conversation this morning with Tom Troughton, owner of this blog, about the concept of belonging. We were discussing what it means to feel that one belongs. Tom commented that belonging is one of the fundamental needs as a human being. He reflected on how sometimes we can walk into a person’s home and immediately feel loved and accepted, as a result of the warmth, presence and commitment of the host, to make us feel welcome. At other times this feeling just isn’t there when we enter a person’s home. I became curious as to what we as individuals do, and the attitudes we have and the thoughts that we think, to foster a feeling of whether or not we belong.
I believe that having a fundamental trust that, “As a human being I have a right to be here on this planet and that therefore I belong,” is necessary. If this trust and belief is not present, a sense of belonging is challenging to develop. There are ways to develop a sense of belonging. Finding something to commit to, whether that be another person, your family, a church, or social cause, is a way to feel more connected and to develop a sense of purpose and belongingness.
I do not believe that belonging requires “sameness” or being just like those around you. Conformity is not a prerequisite to having a sense of belongingness. In fact, some of people who have dared to think differently and have stepped outside of the box have been and are an important part of history. It is through their unique contributions that they clearly belong and are important.
Being an individual who thinks original thoughts and dares to step outside of the “norm” requires courage. This often brings us face to face with a fear that if we express our thoughts that are different and somewhat radical, those who love us will rejected us. This is a challenge we face as individuals. As one of my spiritual teachers said, “Learn to live in the world, but not of it.” While this can be looked at from a materialistic versus spiritual perspective, I chose to think of it as “Live and interact with those around you, but don’t don’t forget to dare and think your own and unique thoughts.”
Here is a great video that was sent to me. It highlights some of the fascinating, powerful individuals who have dared to think differently, and stepped outside of the box, yet are an important part of the growth of humanity as a whole. Enjoy.
Think Different Video from YouTube
Deborah Barnett, Ph.D.
www.http://www.weightlossforwellbeing.com/w1.html?BCT
