What do we hear in the other voice?

Steve walking down the hill

I don’t speak ‘alpaca’, but I do know who is talking when the more vocal amongst our herd make themselves known. And I don’t know what every Steve in the world sounds like, but I could pick out ‘my Steve’ in any vocal lineup. Likewise, he is very good at discerning my anxious and self-denying … Read more

On being grounded in place

Family of Canada Geese walking along the lakeside path

Two delightful conversations this week reminded me of the importance of being grounded. Grounded as in being earthed. This grounding reminds us that we have bodies, not just heads. And that our time in the digital domain needs to be counterbalanced if we are to remain healthy and whole. Not grounded, as in being trapped … Read more

When you thought it was just you…

when-you-thought-it-was-just-you

The other day I did wonder whether this was the year of big individuals. Bright and healthy bluebells were appearing as specimens dotted across the valley. They were splendid, but the areas usually covered in blue were just clumps of long green leaves. Following the astonishing harvest of big acorns last autumn, it looked like … Read more

I am not complete without you

I-am-not-complete-without-you

Belonging is a state, not a decision. Yet, in our individualistic world, we assume it’s all about us. It isn’t. ~ a simple thought each day for the in-between time.

Seeing our place through fresh eyes

seeing-our-place-through-fresh-eyes

As human beings, most of us have a strong pull toward the place we call home. Yet, this drawing might be tangled and fraught with complicated tension for various reasons. Do I belong here? My lovely friend Joanna Maberly has written a profoundly beautiful and moving account of opening unexpected doorways in On Covid, corvids … Read more

Announcing your place in the family of things

announcing-your-place-in-the-family-of-things

We all want to belong. Though we’re not always sure of where or with whom. And some of us have a hard time finding our place because there are conflicting pulls on our identity. We don’t fit neatly into boxes. So exploring the shift that I think is going on – both personally and generally … Read more

An invitation to hope and belonging

an-invitation-to-hope-and-belonging

If we’re waiting for a specific person or group of people to ask us to join their group, then perhaps we’re setting our expectations too low. As human beings, we are already a part of this astonishing living system that is our world. We have a place here, now. And a role to play in … Read more

Honouring the space between us

honouring-the-space-between-us

The pandemic has brought a new awareness of the space between us. The distance we stand apart. Yet, it has also underlined the connection between us as people. What we share, whether we can see it or not. In particular, it is the sense of belonging, of not being whole on our own, which is … Read more

A Blessing for Belonging

a-blessing-for-belonging

May you listen to your longing to be free.~May the frames of your belonging be generous enough for your dreams.~May you arise each day with a voice of blessing whispering in your heart.~May you find a harmony between your soul and your life.~May the sanctuary of your soul never become haunted.~May you know the eternal … Read more

Our places of belonging

our-places-of-belonging

As human beings, I wonder if there is a fundamental connection between our sense of belonging and our landscape. We don’t see ourselves in abstract; neither do we live in the abstract. We live in a place, which has multiple dimensions, not always predominantly concrete and physical. And if it’s not a place where we … Read more