UNCERTAINITY OF BELONGING

Living in uncertainty of belonging one is always questioning whether one is truly accepted, valued, or fits into a specific social, academic, or professional environment. At times it is understandable during life transitions (e.g. starting college, new jobs or in competitive, high-stake environments).

To believe you are an underrepresented group or marginalized group it then gets more intense. Habitual thought-traps create false beliefs, quietly fueling anxiety, depressions, low self-esteem, and strained relationships – all in the struggle to prove one’s worth.

Not belonging is a terrible feeling but the more we cling on the more pain one feels. The letting go of all the stuff you’re holding on, is knowing that you’ll be okay if you don’t have it. True belonging doesn’t require to change who you are, it requires you to be who you are.

Sometime the place you are used to is not the place you belong to.

The courage to be imperfect comes with a sense of love and belonging. Each is born worthy of love and belonging. Belonging should not mean that you are like anyone else. It is not a physical presence, it’s about creating a sense of belonging and opportunity for all, doing something together that makes belonging matter.

It’s also just not about us but nature too. Recently some calamities up north were more man-made than natural, because we abused land regarding it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.

Belonging is cultivated by creating a secure environment where individuals feel seen, heard, and accepted for their authentic selves through consistent, inclusive actions. It is fostered by building meaningful connections, validating others' perspectives, sharing common interests, and actively ensuring everyone feels respected, valued, and included.

When belonging is shaped through divisions and “othering” it becomes fragile - a sense of Indian political parties. Equal opportunity nurtures belonging, more deeply than classifications that separate before they include.

The essential dilemma in many lives is between deep desire to belong and the suspicion of belonging. To betray you must first belong.

Across scriptures the feeling of uncertainty of belonging is addressed as a fundamental human condition arising from misplaced identity - fear of or feeling anxious about one’s place in the world. If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.

The scriptures teach that true belonging is found in a relationship with the Divine, rather than in worldly status, and that this connection brings stability to uncertain lives.

"You belong to the One; remove ego to see this."                    

"Turn to God, and your heart will feel at home."

"You are an eternal soul; you belong to the Supreme

"You belong to God, not this world."   

A verse in Gurbani says “The rain has fallen; I have found the Transcendent Lord God. All beings and creatures’ dwell in peace. Suffering has been dispelled, and true happiness has dawned, as we meditate on the Name of the Lord, Har, Har. The One, to whom we belong, cherishes and nurtures us. The Supreme Lord God has become our Protector”.  SGGS Ang105