A gift from Bill the Storyteller (for Mom 1927-2025)
Origin Story
A Christian once asked me, “Do you know where you’re going after you die?”
I responded, “I’m not going anywhere.” It seemed to throw him off.
The dominant monotheisms believe a distant and mysterious god built humans like a potter makes a pot. His (it’s always ‘He/His’) problem is keeping track of his property and getting humans to acknowledge his ownership. Kind of like me trying to find my gloves in the bottom of the closet.
This origin story has impact on the world. A lot of what we see these days is a battle over who belongs and who doesn’t. There’s pressure to set the line of belonging here or there, selecting by race, culture, beliefs, or where you were born. People feel separate from the world and it frightens them. They grieve the loss of connection and frantically reach for something to stop the pain. They believe that if they could just get rid of some people, the wrong people, the undeserving people, the people in the way, they’d finally belong and be at peace.
I have a different experience. The reason I’m not going anywhere is that I’m already exactly where I belong. I was born (not built) from Mother Earth. The molecules that make up my body are from Her. As I breathe air and drink water, I take in molecules of Her. I live inside a bubble of life that is Her. I’m not lost. I’m a baby sleeping on Her warm belly. I don’t have to prove I belong or that I’m worthy to take up space. That frees me to see others as not in the way of my connection, but as nurtured by the same Mother that I am.
Reflection for February: Belonging
As you move through this month, let each breath, each sip, each taste remind you that you belong; that you are a part of Mother Earth, as are all humans.
Remind yourself of the connections that hold you safe and secure to the Mother; and that each person residing here has the same connection.
Practice the mindfulness of recognizing that we are a part of and not separate from the world.
May you have a blessed and bright February!
The Leadership Team for the Shamanic Community of Austin
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