BELONGING
9-25-24 SESSION
In this rich and thought-provoking conversation about belonging, participants explored the nuanced difference between inclusion and true belonging. While inclusion is often seen as a group extending an invitation to an individual, belonging requires a deeper connection—a mutual recognition and acceptance between the individual and the group. One participant noted that being physically present or even included doesn’t automatically mean feeling a sense of belonging. Belonging is relational, involving a dynamic exchange of acceptance, contribution, and connection. The group questioned whether true belonging could occur without inclusion or whether inclusion was simply a stepping stone.
The discussion also touched on the complexity of belonging in structured systems like politics and religion, where conformity often becomes a prerequisite for acceptance. This raised the paradox of whether it's possible to evolve in one’s thinking and still feel a sense of belonging. Participants shared personal experiences of feeling both deeply connected and entirely disconnected from groups and relationships, highlighting how belonging is fluid and can shift based on life stages and personal growth. At its core, belonging was seen not just as being welcomed by others, but as an intentional, active process of contributing to the spaces one inhabits.
A recurring theme was the role of responsibility—both self-directed and shared. Belonging is not passive, and it often requires individuals to participate fully and even create spaces for others to feel connected. One speaker reflected on how belonging also involves freedom—the freedom to stay or to leave, the freedom to be oneself without pretense, and the freedom to connect on one's own terms. The conversation continually circled back to the idea that belonging is a delicate balance between self-acceptance and connection with others, a process that demands ongoing effort, reflection, and action.
Surprising Discoveries:
Inclusion Does Not Guarantee Belonging
The group realized that inclusion, while important, doesn’t always equate to belonging. Being invited into a space or group doesn’t automatically lead to feeling accepted or connected at a deeper level, challenging conventional assumptions.
Belonging Requires Active Participation
Participants were surprised to discover that belonging isn’t something passively received. It involves personal responsibility and engagement, emphasizing that individuals must actively contribute to their sense of belonging within a group.
The Fluidity of Belonging
Belonging was revealed to be more dynamic than expected. It can shift based on circumstances, personal growth, and changing group dynamics, highlighting that belonging is not a permanent state but one that can evolve over time.
The Paradox of Autonomy and Belonging
The discussion uncovered a paradox: while belonging is often associated with group acceptance, true belonging might first require self-acceptance. Participants were struck by the realization that personal autonomy and belonging to oneself are essential foundations for belonging with others.
Key Themes:
The Distinction Between Inclusion and Belonging
The conversation highlighted a key distinction: while inclusion can be an invitation into a space, it doesn't necessarily lead to a sense of true belonging. Inclusion is an external action, but belonging involves a deeper internal connection, where both the individual and the group acknowledge and accept each other. This theme questioned whether inclusion, often seen as the pinnacle of group dynamics, is enough to foster real belonging.
The Fluidity and Complexity of Belonging
Belonging was portrayed as a fluid concept, one that can evolve and shift over time. Participants shared stories of belonging that changed as their personal beliefs, environments, and relationships developed. This led to a broader exploration of how belonging is often a paradox—it can be felt deeply in some contexts and completely absent in others, even within the same group or relationship.
The Role of Responsibility in Creating Belonging
A recurring idea was that belonging is not something passively received; it requires active engagement. Individuals have a responsibility to contribute to the spaces they inhabit, to bring their full selves, and to foster connection with others. This responsibility is both personal and collective, with the recognition that belonging is built through mutual effort and shared experiences.
Belonging and Personal Autonomy
Personal autonomy emerged as a powerful undercurrent in the discussion. The freedom to be oneself, to express individuality, and to leave or evolve within a group were all seen as crucial to a sense of belonging. The conversation questioned whether one can truly belong to others if they don’t first belong to themselves, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance as a foundation for meaningful connection.
As you explore these visual symbols of the conversation, where do you recognize your own thoughts or those of others within its narrative?
What symbols within the artwork speak to you, and what stories do you think they're trying to tell?
In what ways does the art challenge or expand your current perspectives on belonging?
How do the contradictions and paradoxes illustrated in the art resonate with your understanding or experience with belonging?
A CLOSER LOOK AT SYMBOLOGY
The Journey Inward and Outward
This image invites viewers to explore the interplay between personal reflection and the search for connection. The figures in the scene represent moments of introspection and decision, highlighting the tension between belonging to oneself and belonging with others. It asks us to consider the choices we make, the paths we take, and the ways we navigate the spaces between autonomy and community. Let the symbolism guide you to your own understanding of where, and with whom, you belong.
The Divide of Ideals
This striking image portrays the complexity of belonging in the context of political identity and societal divisions. On either side of a deep chasm, crowds rally behind their respective flags and ideals, symbolizing the intense pull of group affiliation. The cracked ground between them highlights the fragility of these polarized worlds, where people march with conviction, but the division creates a stark disconnect. The figures in the middle, standing at the edge, seem to question their place, illustrating the tension between conforming to group identity and navigating personal beliefs. The image evokes a deep reflection on how belonging can both unite and divide, depending on the paths we choose to follow. Let this visual spark your own questions about the costs and complexities of belonging within rigid structures.
Roots of Connection
This image embodies the intricate nature of belonging as a deep-rooted, shared experience. Above ground, individuals stand beneath a majestic tree, symbolizing community and the vast connections we share. The branches stretch wide, representing the outward, visible aspects of belonging—our connections to one another, the spaces we occupy, and the roles we take on in society. Below the surface, the expansive roots reveal a hidden world of personal histories, unspoken bonds, and shared experiences. These roots wind together in a complex network, representing the unseen yet powerful forces that bind us. The doves flying above add a sense of freedom, suggesting that true belonging is both grounded in shared roots and liberated by the connections we build. This artwork invites viewers to reflect on how the visible and invisible aspects of belonging are intertwined in the human experience.
Passing the Light
This image is a powerful metaphor for the transfer of wisdom, self-belief, and belonging across generations. The cracked clay figures, with light emanating from within, represent the beauty and strength found in imperfection and personal growth. The adult figures offer glowing orbs of light to the younger ones, symbolizing the guidance and support that shape one's sense of belonging and identity. The children, holding their own sources of light, reflect the future generation’s role in carrying forward these lessons, while also finding their own path. The barren landscape contrasts with the glowing figures, suggesting that even in the harshest environments, connection and wisdom can thrive. The crescent moons above evoke the cyclical nature of life and the continuity of these shared experiences, inviting viewers to reflect on the relationships and wisdom that have shaped their own sense of belonging.
Breaking the Mask
This image portrays the moment of self-realization and the breaking down of external façades to reveal the roots of one’s true self. The giant cracked mask lying on barren ground symbolizes the external personas we present to the world, while the small sprout growing from the broken fragments represents growth, resilience, and new beginnings. The roots spreading out from the mask reflect the deep internal journey required to rediscover and nurture one’s authentic self. In the distance, a lone figure walks away, suggesting the personal journey of leaving behind what no longer serves and walking toward self-acceptance. The dramatic sky adds a sense of transformation and renewal, asking viewers to consider what masks they wear and what lies beneath.
Bridging Two Worlds
This image captures the delicate balance of navigating between two different worlds—one of solitude and introspection, the other of social connection and community. The figure walking the tightrope symbolizes the personal journey of balancing individual identity with a desire for belonging. On one side, a serene, natural landscape represents a quieter, more introspective path. On the other, a lively marketplace full of people symbolizes the vibrancy and complexity of social interaction. The chasm between them represents the emotional and psychological divide that individuals often face when trying to reconcile their inner world with the external one. This artwork encourages viewers to reflect on their own balancing act between solitude and community, and how we cross the space in between.
Sanctuary of Self
The image, inspired by the phrase “I belong to me,” captures the concept of personal autonomy and self-acceptance. In the discussion, this idea arose when reflecting on the notion of standing firmly and squarely within oneself, which signifies the internal power derived from embracing one’s core identity. This scene suggests a protective boundary, a sacred space where individuals claim their belonging, not from external validation, but from within. It reflects the profound realization that belonging begins with accepting and being true to oneself, a foundation from which individuals can engage the world with authenticity and invite others into their space of belonging .
Tethered by Light
This image represents the profound singularity of belonging, featuring a lone figure standing on an illuminated island, gently connected to others by glowing bridges of light. The scene evokes a sense of inner peace and autonomy, highlighting the quiet beauty of personal belonging. The glowing bridges suggest that even in solitude, subtle connections link us to others in the distance, reflecting the delicate balance between self-reliance and the bonds we share. This image invites contemplation of the light that tethers us, both to ourselves and to those beyond our immediate reach.
THE MULTARITIES OF
BELONGING
This conversation on belonging uncovered several powerful multarities—contrasting perspectives that offer a deeper understanding of this complex topic. Participants explored the difference between inclusion and true belonging, the tension between conformity and authenticity, and the balance of personal responsibility versus group support. They also examined the paradox of belonging to oneself versus belonging to others, and the dynamic interplay between stability and fluidity in belonging. These multarities invite us to consider the multiple layers at play when we seek connection and acceptance, both within ourselves and in the world around us.
Inclusion vs. Belonging
A key multarity was the distinction between inclusion and belonging. While inclusion invites individuals into a space, belonging requires a deeper emotional connection and acceptance. This created a duality where one can be included but still not feel they belong, highlighting the complexity of social dynamics.
Conformity vs. Authenticity
Another multarity centered around the tension between conformity and authenticity. Participants discussed how certain systems, such as religion and politics, often demand conformity for belonging, but real belonging is found in spaces that allow for individuality and evolving beliefs. This brought forward the paradox of whether one can truly belong if they must suppress their authentic self to fit in.
Personal Responsibility vs. Group Support
The group explored the balance between personal responsibility and collective support in fostering belonging. There was an acknowledgment that while individuals must actively contribute to their own belonging, there is also a need for groups to create environments that nurture and sustain connection. This multarity highlights the interplay between self-reliance and the support of a community.
Belonging to Oneself vs. Belonging to Others
A profound multarity was the idea of belonging to oneself versus belonging to others. True belonging, some argued, begins with self-acceptance and autonomy, while others emphasized the importance of connection and contribution to a group. This duality underscored the idea that personal and social belonging are intertwined but distinct aspects of the human experience.
Stability vs. Fluidity in Belonging
The conversation revealed a multarity between the desire for stability in belonging and the recognition that belonging is often fluid. While people may seek stable, long-term connections, participants noted that belonging can shift over time based on personal growth, changing environments, or evolving group dynamics. This multarity highlights the tension between wanting security in relationships and acknowledging the natural ebb and flow of belonging throughout life.
OTHER IMAGES ON BELONGING
As you examine these additional images,. imagine what conversation points led to their creation.
Where do you see breadcrumbs of yourself and/or your story?
