Belonging

Past, present and future

Why is it that the sense of belonging feels so important?

An inherent aspect of humanness.

From Wikipedia: Belongingness is the human emotional need to be an accepted member of a group. Whether it is family, friends, co-workers, a religion, or something else, people tend to have an 'inherent' desire to belong and be an important part of something greater than themselves.

Past – Thinking of early years (family life, school years, adolescent experiences). What are some memories that stand out whether positive, feeling accepted and belonging, or negative, feeling excluded from a group you thought was important at the time?

How did the contribute to making you the person you feel you are today?

Psychology Today: There is an element that exists between the self and others -- belongingness. Here, the self seeks connectedness and harmony with others rather than distinctiveness and uniqueness. In the past 25 years, we have begun to understand the importance of belongingness to one's overall happiness, health, and in contributing greater meaning to life.

Present – Thinking of current times, how do you think your sense of belonging contributes to your health and happiness.

Does reaching out to include others factor as an important part of staying connected? How does (or would) including a new personality affect the group as a whole?

 Have you ever been totally dumped by a group that you thought you securely belonged to?

 Maya Angelou: You are only free when you realize that you belong no place – you belong every place – no place at all. The price is high. The reward is great.

Future – What do you think she meant by belonging no place and every place?

Why would the price be high? What would be the great reward?