You Belong

Pillar #5 of The Liberation Lens

Rev. David Alexander

Mar 17, 2025

Transcript

You Belong to the Universe: Embracing Our Interconnectedness

There is a fundamental truth that transcends all borders, identities, and separations: You belong. Not just to a family, a culture, or a community—but to the universe itself. Your existence is not an accident. It is an essential thread in the vast, unfolding tapestry of life. And it’s the 5th pillar in the framework I’m building here as The Liberation Lens.

Previous Episodes can be found here: Ep. 1, Ep. 2, Ep. 3, Ep. 4

The Illusion of Separation

For much of human history, we have been conditioned to believe in separateness. We see ourselves as distinct from others, divided by race, nationality, religion, gender, or personal experiences. This illusion creates fear, competition, and a sense of isolation. But when we look deeper, when we transcend the surface-level differences, we find something profound: unity.

At the quantum level, science confirms what spiritual traditions have always taught—everything is connected. Every atom in your body once belonged to the stars. The same energy that moves galaxies moves within you. You are not apart from the universe; you are an expression of it.

“We are here to awaken from the illusion of our separateness.” - Thich Nhat Hanh

Insights from Sebene Selassie and john a. powell

Sebene Selassie, in her book You Belong, reminds us that belonging is not about fitting in—it is about recognizing our inherent wholeness. She emphasizes that the root of disconnection lies in our mistaken belief that we are separate. True belonging, she argues, arises when we embrace all parts of ourselves and acknowledge our connection to everything around us. Selassie weaves together personal experience, spiritual insight, and social awareness to show that belonging is a practice, one that requires mindfulness, self-compassion, and deep engagement with the world.

“We suffer because we forget this fundamental truth: we belong. Belonging is our natural state.” - Sebene Selassie

Sebene’s work changed the course of my ministry at Spiritual Living Center of Atlanta, it quickly became the core organizing element of our mission. We’ve created a powerful course on this work and it’s now available on-demand via our education portal. https://www.newthoughteducation.com/courses/you-belong

Similarly, john a. powell, director of The Othering and Belonging Institute, expands the conversation on belonging by addressing the systemic and structural forces that create exclusion. He explores how societal structures often reinforce the illusion of separation, leading to marginalization and “othering.” Powell’s work teaches that true belonging requires not just personal realization, but collective action—transforming our institutions and cultures to ensure inclusivity and equity. He emphasizes that belonging is not just about individual experience but about reshaping systems so that no one is excluded.

Belonging is Your Birthright

Belonging is not something you earn—it is your inherent nature. No circumstance, no label, no past mistake can strip you of this truth. The trees do not question whether they belong to the forest. The waves do not ask if they are part of the ocean. So too, you do not need to prove your place in the grand scheme of existence.

But here’s the challenge: while belonging is a given, *feeling* like you belong requires conscious recognition. It demands that we shift our perception from separation to connection. It asks us to look beyond the roles and divisions that society imposes and recognize the deeper truth: we are one.

"You are not separate, you never were and you never will be. Belonging is not dependent on your feelings or conditions. You belong because you are." - Sebene Selassie

Living From a Place of Belonging

How do we embody this truth? How do we move from intellectual understanding to lived experience? Here are a few pathways:

Practice Presence – When you are fully present, the boundaries between you and the world begin to dissolve. You realize that life is happening *with* you, not *to* you.
See the Sacred in Others – Every person you meet is a mirror, reflecting an aspect of the same universal essence. Honor their existence as you would your own.
Engage with Nature – The natural world is a profound teacher of belonging. Spend time in the trees, the rivers, the mountains. Feel how you are held in the vast web of life.
Recognize the Systemic Barriers to Belonging – As John a. powell highlights, true belonging requires dismantling systems of exclusion. Advocate for policies, institutions, and communities that honor the dignity of all people.
Release the Fear of Rejection – The fear of not belonging is often what keeps us from truly embracing our place in the universe. Let go of the need for external validation and rest in the knowing that you are already home.

A Collective Shift

When we understand that we belong—not just to our immediate circles, but to all of existence—we begin to move differently in the world. We see injustice as an injury to the whole, not just to “them” or “those people.” We approach conflict with a desire for understanding rather than division. We build communities based on love rather than exclusion.

This is more than just a personal realization; it is a revolutionary act. A world where everyone knows they belong is a world where compassion reigns, where systems of oppression crumble, and where humanity evolves beyond fear into love.

There is so much more to this topic to discuss, and we will here - thanks to my wonderful subscribers and paid supporters

You Are Home

You are not lost. You are not an outsider. You are not separate. You belong to the universe, just as the universe belongs to you. Let this truth sink in, let it guide your steps, and let it transform the way you show up in the world.