Where you belong should always be worthy of your dignity. You should belong first in your own interiority. If you belong there, and if you are in rhythm with yourself and connected to that deep, unique source within, then you will never be vulnerable when your outside belonging is qualified, relativized, or taken away. You will be able to stand on your own ground, the ground of your soul, where you are not a tenant, where you are at home. Your interiority is the ground from which nobody can distance, exclude, or exile you. This is your treasure.
John O'Donohue emphasizes the importance of belonging within oneself, asserting that true belonging starts from one's inner self. When individuals nurture their interiority and connect with their unique essence, they become resilient against the uncertainties of external acceptance. This inner grounding not only fosters self-confidence but also shields one from feeling displaced when faced with challenges in outside relationships.
The foundation of our self-worth lies in our ability to cultivate a...