Live-Love-Serve

July 2024

Dear all ,

Here we are well into July ☘️for those living in the southern hemisphere hope you are keeping warm and well ….🙌💫

The intention of today’s post is to write on the concept – the value of Belonging and it’s influence on individual and collective wellness. As humans we are a social species- sense of belonging to our immediate and extended communities is essential to wellbeing☀️

Inspiration and rationale for my choice comes from the books that I have read , my training and work that I continue to do with children, young people and families 🙏

” Belonging is being somewhere where you want to be and they want you “- Bene Brown

There is an innate and inherent need in all of us to belong to feel included and to feel safe

Children who are nurtured – with a sense of belonging display confidence sense or security – they are able to explore – are confident , they are able to connect to others – develop and maintain friendships and are resilient .

Even as we embrace the challenges and variables of adulthood it is essential to engage , to become curious of what helps to reinforce the sense of belonging and connectedness to the self .

Why ??Honouring the sense of individual belonging makes way for a kind , safe and inclusive community👯👯‍♂️🏠🏡🙌

Here are some avenues to tap into Belonging and add to our repertoire of actions that bring in more wellness

⁃ Find a reason or make a decision to slow down and take an audit of your skills and your weaknesses- list them down

⁃ Practice mind body awareness – like stretches or yoga as this helps to connect to self – the more we become aware of our body and mind – and reflect – we allow for better calm

⁃ Go back to reading your favorite fairy tale

⁃ Use words that describe your strengths , the values that you hold close to your heart💙💛

⁃ Write a line of what you want for yourself in one year , three years or 5years

⁃ Write down the names of those who have been kind and made you smile😊

⁃ Give yourself permission to make changes to how you do life☀️

– Embrace the arts into your life – know the song that makes you want to move and dance …

⁃ Recognize and Do more of what gives you joy , what adds meaning and what gives you contentment

“It is about living your life as if it really mattered Moment by moment by moment “-Jon Kabat Zinn

Much love