A Paradox of Belonging

We all long to belong, yet we (I) yearn to be different, somehow unique. ⁣

⁣I notice myself resisting labels - for fear of impostering, for fear of excluding, for fear of confinement. ⁣

⁣I dance, but i am not a Dancer. ⁣

I guide others to be in their bodies, but i am not a Somatic Therapist. ⁣

I meditate, but i am not a Yogi.⁣

I facilitate group movement, but i am not a Teacher. ⁣

I create constantly, but i am not an Artist. ⁣

(Well, okay, i am an Artist. That label somehow feels good today. See what happened there?)⁣

⁣

Is it true? Does it even matter?⁣

⁣

What labels bring you feelings of imposter syndrome?⁣

⁣What labels feel exclusionary or confining for you?⁣⁣

What labels serve some part of you?⁣

What is the relationship between each of our unique collections of labels and our sense of Belonging to self and others?⁣

⁣

EXPERIMENT. Maybe we can try on labels like we try on clothes. Pick one each day and move through life with it. Make it your own. Or toss it aside. Loose grip.⁣

⁣

Image by Dynamic Wang on Unsplash