Download the April 2015 Mandala of the Month
One of the greatest challenges we face as humans is maintaining our individual authentic identity while also feeling like we belong within our families, our groups of friends, our community, and ultimately within our collective humankind.
Too often because we fear rejection, pain and suffering, we concede some of authenticity in order to fit in, to be accepted. When we concede too much, we lose touch with who we really are and who we really want to be…thus losing sight of where it is we truly belong…in the end feeling lost and confused.
This mandala reminds us that like ships sailing out to sea setting their own course, we can experience that same expression of our authentic self while being anchored in the knowingness that we are all connected together in this group experience that we share called “life on earth as humans“.
From an article on Psychology Today’s web site:
…[one] way to build your own sense of belonging is to work on acceptance of others. To accept others and views that are not the same as yours may require that you open your thoughts to the idea that there is value in everyone’s thinking. You can find truth in even the most difficult-to-understand even though you may not agree. ―“Create a Sense of Belonging” by Karyn Hall Ph.D
We can start by individually learning to accepting ourselves as we are. Like an onion or an artichoke it may take a little work to get through all the layers that block our authenticity, however the gift in return is that reconnection with our true selves. From there we can accept what is really true for us, building on that foundation, and letting go of the rest.
“Because true belonging only happens when we present our authentic, imperfect selves to the world, our sense of belonging can never be greater than our level of self-acceptance.” ― Brené Brown, Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead
Whether we’re seeking that sense of belonging within ourselves, within our small groups, or on a much broader scale, we can start by being true to ourselves as we learn to allow others to be true to themselves.
We are all worthy of belonging. We all deserve to be here.
Ponder this as we color this month’s mandala.
Happy Coloring!
joyfully, Maureen,
The Mandala Lady
Be sure to download/color the April section of the 2015 Mandala of the Year.
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