Consider this your official Happy Buddha love note đź’Ś.
Once a month we share our current inspiration, covering topics like yoga, life and joy. We’ll also provide writing prompts, motivation, or simply food for thought… for you to ponder over the month ahead. These musings will come from various people we know and love ~ and this one is from Nisha, our AH-mazing content writer.
Enjoy! ✨
Some Musings on Belonging…
A few days ago, I was watching children waiting for the bus. They were huddled together in groups. Whether playing on their phones or pushing each other off the sidewalk — they all seemed very content.
I felt a pang of nostalgia, which was quickly overtaken by awareness that I certainly do not want to be back in school. So what was it about this scene that made me feel melancholic?
Aha. It dawned on me… It was the sense of belonging they seemed to share.
At that age, you belong to a school. You belong to a grade, certain classes, friendship groups. You’ll have a sport team, and wear the appropriate colours at carnivals. You’ll cheer for the team in which you belong.
But what happens as we continue through life, without intentionally nurturing this need? Or as we lose contact with our communities because of life events that push us onward?
All humans have a basic need for social connection, and to feel a sense of belonging. We’re literally hardwired for it. And when it’s missing? We still crave it.
Indeed, research shows the number of close friends that Australians have has approximately halved since the 1980s – as has the number of neighbours who pop in uninvited.
Meanwhile, the country’s Relationship Indicators 2022 survey suggested that we’re lonelier than ever, revealing almost a quarter (23.9%) of Australians feel this way.
So, what’s next?
In the same way we visit the dentist, attend yoga classes, and book doctor’s checkups — belonging must become something that we give to ourselves.
More importantly, it’s something we must learn how to give ourselves… and what that looks like will be unique for each of us.
✍️ Your Belonging Exercise
Take a moment to write down five activities, people, or places that help you feel a sense of belonging.
Mine, for example, are:
~ Being a member of Elizabeth Gilbert’s newsletter community
~ Family meals
~ Taking part in Adriene’s monthly Yoga Challenge (all available on YouTube!)
~ Catching up with school friends
~ Work team meetings on Zoom
Now, write down three new ideas for the future.
What could help increase your sense of belonging?
With love,
Nisha
Nisha is a freelance writer and Vedic astrologer, based in the magical Byron Hinterlands. As well as running her candle business, her life and loves involve: yoga, gardening and all things esoteric. You’ll find her out in nature, or curled up at home with a good book. Happy Buddha is one of her most treasured places on earth (and indeed where she met her fiancĂ©!).
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