Like many people
I was a lonely child . . .
I couldn’t seem to find my people,
my tribe.
Now that I have been set adrift in the world for all these many years,
I seem to find my people individually
rather than in groups.
I scare easily
and it is not difficult to drive me away,
for I don’t want to be where I am not wanted . . .
it’s in the little things
where I feel safe.
My feelings of belonging
become deeper
through trust,
and daring to expose a deeper part of myself.
It is also true
when another person
also dares to trust me,
which deepens our connection to one another.
I enjoy my own company,
and like to spend time alone,
but am restored
by communion with others
who feel the Divine impulse of Love
flowing in their veins as well . . .
we connect.
We grow wiser together,
and help each other
through an invisible, but powerful
bond. ♥
Being together with friends and loved ones does, sharing encounters happening in one heart and spirit. Caring for each other. Shared values can. Honesty and kindness in heart does. Meeting each other with an open heart.
Being with others, helping and caring for others. I wrote this morning how I don’t always feel comfortable in my own home. I moved in with my dad over a year ago, on the other side of town. Maybe because I grew up with a big family and having roommates and being in the downtown area, I was always readily surrounded by people and it felt so good for my mental health to be around others. Although I need my alone time and I feel comfortable with spending time with myself, I still do crave social connections with others.
Jennifer, I feel the same way when it comes to people. I certainly enjoy my alone time, but having people is also beneficial for my wellbeing as well. I’ve talked about before in my answers and responses to other members on learning to trust my root people. It’s a process. I’m certainly running hot and cold there. I’ve become more of a head than heart person but am learning to move closer to the heart while remaining on the head side.
Meditation deeps my sense of belonging especially when we are meting together or online . I’m grateful to have this group that meets more than once a day .
This is so bizarre! Last night I had a dream where I knew deep in each cell of my being that “WE” (every living creature and plant) are little living cells of one large organism (the planet) and I felt this deep, accepting, forgiving love for everyone I know or knew. When I thought of someone (even someonewho did me wrong ) it was like thinking about myself. In my dream, I cried and thanked God for this knowledge and asked to keep it forefront in my heart.
Crazy to wake up to this reflection!! 😂
This profound dream,
I believe,
was a gift from the Universe to you,
dear Heather . . .
I hope you review it daily
and keep it at the ‘forefront of your heart’.
Think of today’s Word . . .
”Do not feel lonely, the entire universe is inside you.”
There is something very beautiful about it.
Hold it close. ♥
My practice of gratefulness deepens my sense of belonging. Answering the daily question deepens my sense of belonging. My loving neighbors deepen my sense of belonging. My son’s love deepens my sense of belonging. But, all of that said, I still often feel lonely. I’m sure my age and both mental and physical limitations that accompany it are a contributing factor. Rumi’s quote[Do not feel lonely, the entire universe is inside you.]is a helpful reminder that even when we walk alone, we are not alone: I embrace the quote because it rings true to me but know that my finite mind cannot fully grasp it 24/7! I share a poem I wrote many years ago. It reminds me that my life is a gift even when I’m struggling with a feeling of loneliness. As I’ve shared many times here. My job is willingness.
A Lonely Awareness by Carol Ann Conner
Like a dark night with no stars,
I bid farewell to the setting sun,
knowing that no one will join me
for the new, the half,
or the full moon.
I remember my early years—
the childhood when I felt so alone.
I’d watch the clouds in the sky,
searching for a sign,
hoping for a vision from God.
I feared being alone in the world more
than I feared an early marriage.
I truly wanted it to work.
I would make it work.
Failure was not an option.
I remember those years
of devoted wife and mother,
chief cook and bottle washer,
nurse and taxi driver—
legalized prostitute.
Florence Nightingale,
Mary Poppins,
and Sophia Loren—
the magic marriage formula
that often pleases men.
And now the kids are gone,
the grand kids all half-grown.
I finally left the husband,
but I’m the one
who walks alone.
He just replaced me.
Just erased me.
Like a garment,
that’s been worn
and frayed.
I sometimes wonder.
I even ponder
over decisions I might have made
if fear-filled voices
weren’t driving my choices.
The frantic searching,
the emotional lurching,
Reacting,
Regretting and
repenting for what?
Now is the hour,
acceptance the key.
Not husband or wife,
Not bliss or strife,
just the willingness to be.
To be the light of my own life,
To see the gift hidden
in my darkness,
To share the wisdom garnered
from my pain.
Like the dark night with no stars,
I greet the moon’s redemptive light,
knowing that I am enough
that no one need join me
for the new, the half, or the full moon.
Your poem,
dear Carol Ann,
is deeply moving,
and it breaks my own heart as well,
as I see so much of me
in these beautiful words.
I am softened anew
by what your heart has said,
and will carry it with me
in my own wounded joy
with love . . .
thank you. ♥
Carol Ann, I feel the exact way when answering these questions as well and interacting with members here. There’s a give and take process that deepens my sense of connection. Us speaking on the same language with common ground helps too.
My sense of belonging was deepened recently when my granddaughter came to me for a hug. I don’t know what happened in the other room with others in the family, or exactly what emotions she was feeling. Whether she was sad, mad or embarrassed, it didn’t matter. No words exchanged, we just shared a long, warm hug of unconditional love that she seemed to need. Maybe we both needed it. The feeling of deep and abiding love is the ultimate sense of belonging.
A magical experience like that
can only deepen your sense of belonging,
dear Tom,
and I am happy that you were present
and aware when it came to you. ♥
I go out walking at the mall every morning during the winter time and encounter the same people too. 10 out of every 10 I see are adults of my parents’s generation. We all say “Hi”, have some small talk, and share smiles among each other. Therefore, Sunnypatti, I know the community connection all too well.
What deepens my sense of belonging is coming together with others around our history, mutual love and respect, a need or purpose. I guess the essence of all that is community in its many shapes and forms.
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Intimate, deep conversations, where both parties share what they think and why they feel that way, , while listening and respecting the other’s ideas.
Like many people
I was a lonely child . . .
I couldn’t seem to find my people,
my tribe.
Now that I have been set adrift in the world for all these many years,
I seem to find my people individually
rather than in groups.
I scare easily
and it is not difficult to drive me away,
for I don’t want to be where I am not wanted . . .
it’s in the little things
where I feel safe.
My feelings of belonging
become deeper
through trust,
and daring to expose a deeper part of myself.
It is also true
when another person
also dares to trust me,
which deepens our connection to one another.
I enjoy my own company,
and like to spend time alone,
but am restored
by communion with others
who feel the Divine impulse of Love
flowing in their veins as well . . .
we connect.
We grow wiser together,
and help each other
through an invisible, but powerful
bond. ♥
Faith, family and close friends
Being together with friends and loved ones does, sharing encounters happening in one heart and spirit. Caring for each other. Shared values can. Honesty and kindness in heart does. Meeting each other with an open heart.
Being with others, helping and caring for others. I wrote this morning how I don’t always feel comfortable in my own home. I moved in with my dad over a year ago, on the other side of town. Maybe because I grew up with a big family and having roommates and being in the downtown area, I was always readily surrounded by people and it felt so good for my mental health to be around others. Although I need my alone time and I feel comfortable with spending time with myself, I still do crave social connections with others.
Jennifer, I feel the same way when it comes to people. I certainly enjoy my alone time, but having people is also beneficial for my wellbeing as well. I’ve talked about before in my answers and responses to other members on learning to trust my root people. It’s a process. I’m certainly running hot and cold there. I’ve become more of a head than heart person but am learning to move closer to the heart while remaining on the head side.
Meditation deeps my sense of belonging especially when we are meting together or online . I’m grateful to have this group that meets more than once a day .
Reaching out to others, sharing experiences.
This is so bizarre! Last night I had a dream where I knew deep in each cell of my being that “WE” (every living creature and plant) are little living cells of one large organism (the planet) and I felt this deep, accepting, forgiving love for everyone I know or knew. When I thought of someone (even someonewho did me wrong ) it was like thinking about myself. In my dream, I cried and thanked God for this knowledge and asked to keep it forefront in my heart.
Crazy to wake up to this reflection!! 😂
This profound dream,
I believe,
was a gift from the Universe to you,
dear Heather . . .
I hope you review it daily
and keep it at the ‘forefront of your heart’.
Think of today’s Word . . .
”Do not feel lonely, the entire universe is inside you.”
There is something very beautiful about it.
Hold it close. ♥
“Hold it close.” A very good and wise sentiment.
My practice of gratefulness deepens my sense of belonging. Answering the daily question deepens my sense of belonging. My loving neighbors deepen my sense of belonging. My son’s love deepens my sense of belonging. But, all of that said, I still often feel lonely. I’m sure my age and both mental and physical limitations that accompany it are a contributing factor. Rumi’s quote[Do not feel lonely, the entire universe is inside you.]is a helpful reminder that even when we walk alone, we are not alone: I embrace the quote because it rings true to me but know that my finite mind cannot fully grasp it 24/7! I share a poem I wrote many years ago. It reminds me that my life is a gift even when I’m struggling with a feeling of loneliness. As I’ve shared many times here. My job is willingness.
A Lonely Awareness by Carol Ann Conner
Like a dark night with no stars,
I bid farewell to the setting sun,
knowing that no one will join me
for the new, the half,
or the full moon.
I remember my early years—
the childhood when I felt so alone.
I’d watch the clouds in the sky,
searching for a sign,
hoping for a vision from God.
I feared being alone in the world more
than I feared an early marriage.
I truly wanted it to work.
I would make it work.
Failure was not an option.
I remember those years
of devoted wife and mother,
chief cook and bottle washer,
nurse and taxi driver—
legalized prostitute.
Florence Nightingale,
Mary Poppins,
and Sophia Loren—
the magic marriage formula
that often pleases men.
And now the kids are gone,
the grand kids all half-grown.
I finally left the husband,
but I’m the one
who walks alone.
He just replaced me.
Just erased me.
Like a garment,
that’s been worn
and frayed.
I sometimes wonder.
I even ponder
over decisions I might have made
if fear-filled voices
weren’t driving my choices.
The frantic searching,
the emotional lurching,
Reacting,
Regretting and
repenting for what?
Now is the hour,
acceptance the key.
Not husband or wife,
Not bliss or strife,
just the willingness to be.
To be the light of my own life,
To see the gift hidden
in my darkness,
To share the wisdom garnered
from my pain.
Like the dark night with no stars,
I greet the moon’s redemptive light,
knowing that I am enough
that no one need join me
for the new, the half, or the full moon.
I join you in spirit Carol Ann.
Very poignant Carol Ann. I fortunately am with my lovely wife Cheryl. Thank you for this poem.
Your poem,
dear Carol Ann,
is deeply moving,
and it breaks my own heart as well,
as I see so much of me
in these beautiful words.
I am softened anew
by what your heart has said,
and will carry it with me
in my own wounded joy
with love . . .
thank you. ♥
Carol Ann, I feel the exact way when answering these questions as well and interacting with members here. There’s a give and take process that deepens my sense of connection. Us speaking on the same language with common ground helps too.
Thank you for sharing this, Carol Ann. I’ve been somewhere similar, been discarded. We have our souls intact. That itself is a blessing.
My sense of belonging was deepened recently when my granddaughter came to me for a hug. I don’t know what happened in the other room with others in the family, or exactly what emotions she was feeling. Whether she was sad, mad or embarrassed, it didn’t matter. No words exchanged, we just shared a long, warm hug of unconditional love that she seemed to need. Maybe we both needed it. The feeling of deep and abiding love is the ultimate sense of belonging.
A magical experience like that
can only deepen your sense of belonging,
dear Tom,
and I am happy that you were present
and aware when it came to you. ♥
Connecting with others in community or even just in passing. And connecting with myself during meditation and meditative practices.
I go out walking at the mall every morning during the winter time and encounter the same people too. 10 out of every 10 I see are adults of my parents’s generation. We all say “Hi”, have some small talk, and share smiles among each other. Therefore, Sunnypatti, I know the community connection all too well.
Looking beyond and letting go of my agendas deepens a sense of belonging, because I do a better job of trusting my root people.
Mutual acceptance
John, that’s the greatest feeling in the world. It’s super peaceful.
What deepens my sense of belonging is coming together with others around our history, mutual love and respect, a need or purpose. I guess the essence of all that is community in its many shapes and forms.
So nice to see you,
dear Mary . . . ♥
Thank you, Sparrow.❤️
Community.