One of the main issues identified through her research was the feeling of being ‘spiritually disconnected,’ a diminishing sense of shared humanity. It’s a personal commitment that we carry in our hearts.’ But true belonging is not something we negotiate or accomplish with others it’s a daily practice that demands integrity and authenticity. But in a culture that’s rife with perfectionism and pleasing, and with the erosion of civility, it’s easy to stay quiet, hide in our ideological bunkers, or fit in rather than show up as our true selves and brave the wilderness of uncertainty and criticism. In the book she offers us the clarity and courage we need to find our way back to ourselves and each other.īrené writes, ‘ True belonging requires us to believe in and belong to ourselves so fully that we can find sacredness both in both being a part of something, and in standing alone when necessary. Social scientist Brené Brown starts the discussion about the experiences that bring meaning to our lives – experiences of courage, vulnerability, love, belonging, shame and empathy.īrown believes we are experiencing a spiritual crisis of disconnection. This book is a mix of research, storytelling and honesty to encourage wider conversations. It requires us to be who we are.’ ~ Brené Brown ‘True belonging doesn’t require us to change who we are. This process can be confusing and sometimes messy but inner knowing is guiding this transition. Ultimately I realise that I am (re)discovering my true self. I have been questioning and reviewing my ideas, releasing what no longer holds true for me or is no longer required. This book is helping me make sense of some of the thoughts and ideas I have been developing and also sheds new light on the current global conversations.

I am currently reading Braving The Wilderness by Brené Brown and I’m having quite a few ah-ha moments. I’m working my way through books that have been on my wish list for ages. Winter is the perfect time to retreat from the world and to spend time reading. But it turns out to be the place of true belonging, and it’s the bravest and most sacred place you will ever stand.’ ~ Brené Brown, PhD, LMSW It is a place as dangerous as it is breathtaking, a place as sought after as it is feared. ‘ The wilderness is an untamed, unpredictable place of solitude and searching.

Braving the wilderness by brené brown