During our final Replenish retreat of the series, I shared a brief story about my own belief that we are all a part of the “field of belonging.” My own work, path, and world view are all rooted in the fundamental truth of interconnection, of our own belonging. We are whirled into being in the body of another and emerge into life connected, sharing cells and sustenance. Connection is essential for our survival. We carry a chain of endless ancestors within us, the stuff of life in a line unbroken from the very first life. Not only that, our very bodies are formed from scraps of matter present at the birth of time herself. We are shaped from the very stuff of the infinite, scooped out of a great pool of undeniable belonging. This field of sacred belonging is not something we have to try to feel, or find, or manufacture. It is just there. We are embedded within it. We can lean into it, touch it, inhabit it, rely on it. We are never alone. We are carried by a great creative river of becoming and belonging.
Practice Ideas:
To deepen your connection to the sacred current and field of belonging that surrounds us, here are some suggestions:
- Tune into your landscape and environment. Notice the details, sights, sounds, and sensations around you. This can help you feel more grounded and connected to the natural world.
- Practice mindfulness and presence. Take time to simply be, without agenda or distraction. Allow yourself to fully inhabit the moment and sense the energy flowing through you and around you.
- Engage in ritual and ceremony. Light candles, make offerings, or perform simple acts that help you feel a part of the greater web of life. This can attune you to the sacred rhythms.
- Cultivate a sense of gratitude. Appreciate the miracles of existence, from the DNA that connects you to all life, to the infinite cosmos. Let this sense of wonder and belonging deepen.
- Reach out and connect with others. Tend to your thread in the web by sharing, listening, and supporting your community. This reinforces the field of belonging.
- Follow your inspiration and creative impulses. The spark of the infinite within you is part of the sacred current. Honoring that can strengthen your felt sense of connection.
The key is to quiet the mind, open the senses, and attune yourself to the subtle energies and interconnections that are always present, but can be easy to overlook in daily life. With practice, you can more fully immerse yourself in the field of belonging.
