Grow belonging. A rare word combination, yet its’ meaning seems clear. The idea that humans seek to belong, and the feeling of not belonging is referenced often in the ways we might feel separate or on the outside of something. Yet what if we each had the ability to “grow belonging”, to nurture and tend to those belonging seeds for ourselves? Then as time moved along our sense of belonging would grow, and it would be ours, inside of us.
In some cultures and communities people are asked “Who do you belong to?” meaning who are your people, ancestors or relatives. Many of us may not feel we belong to anyone or any group even if we can answer that question. Maybe someone’s belonging is situational, meaning as long as you have that job, or live in that neighborhood, or are married to that person, you belong to that group and have an “identity”.
But external connections can shift and change. In those cases, then who do we belong to, or where? Belonging to oneself seems a new possibility to consider. Especially having the ability to “grow” it.
Grow belonging. Maybe when we find ourselves in new circumstances, like a new community or experience, we can also find ways to share our authentic self as we grow belonging. No matter our age we may need to grow belonging in new and different ways as our life takes new turns or changes. Ideally we know how to grow those belonging seeds, as well as keep them healthy.
Ageilicious 
Hi Anne, let me just say, “I agree. Community is more important that ever.” Rebecca
Thought provoking as always. Hope you are doing well!
“Grow Belonging” -what an inviting, optimistic perspective, way of looking at potentiality! Some ways of belonging can be minimal or transitory, but very meaningful in the moment……(presence at a Mahler concert, listening to Villagers recall growing up with happiness from rural life, etc.) Maybe “Grow Belonging” is group activities in creative endeavors- Belonging to a Writing Group, Book Club, Historical Society ?! Online conversations are part of it, but the best is interactive in the most human sense of sharing a meal, conversation, being in a parade or watching a parade……it all goes on outside but ‘inside’ in the memory or reflection of community…… thru grace, Rudy
I appreciate that outlook Rudy. And to me yes the interactive part of belonging is the richest and maybe most challenging for some of us. And as part of that our experience of something happening on the outside, but inside is our memory, feeling or reflection of belonging/community.