Belonging Without Losing Yourself
Although we live in a remarkably individualistic culture, it's very clear to me, nonetheless, that belonging is an integral part of being human.
People will meet their belonging needs in one way or another. Some of those ways are healthy, and some are not. As I watched the recent gathering of white nationalists, as we encounter unquestioned support for certain political leaders, as we note the over-the-top expressions of patriotism on the part of some, you see how belonging needs become almost cultic. People so much want to belong that they can give up rationality, propriety, and an ability to critically think. And if their belonging needs somehow dovetail with their needs to establish their worth, their needs to justify their lives, then very unhealthy stuff can ensue. Much of my life has been about helping people experience a sense of belonging, but I would never want that belonging to be about cultic thinking or behaving. The best belonging entails giving room for individual freedom and expression and for faithful critique.