The House of Belonging
I have a dream. One so near and dear to my heart that arose from my experience facing the devastating toll that racism has taken on me. It’s the creation, through writing, of a place called The House of Belonging. A place that welcomes all, particularly marginalized people who hold a chronic sense of not belonging. My idea was to draw on various parts of the house to draw out aspects of support and belonging. This House can shift and shape in form but will always maintain its integrity as The House of Belonging.
I was out at this magical cafe in a magical village, just outside the city, this past weekend with my lovely friend Bre, my partner in creativity. I was struggling with a piece of writing until I took a break and realized that the space we were in felt like the House of Belonging I’d imagined. I made a decision that evening to raise the House of Belonging in this blog. I’m not exactly sure where I want to go with The House of Belonging, but let’s start by opening the doors, welcoming you dearly, and let’s see where that takes us.
The house is ready. The welcome mat is down. May I warmly welcome you to, The House of Belonging …
In The House of Belonging, you can kick your shoes off and get comfortable. Make your way over to the lovely carpeted space and make a little nest for yourself, with the plentiful, gorgeous, and colourful cushions. Stretch your legs out nice and long, wiggle your toes if you like. Take up as much space as you need, in whatever shape you need that to be. This place is made for your comfort.
In The House of Belonging, there are great friends, that are happy to see you. Friends who lean in, and listen well. A place for conversations that touches the heart, and funny bone. You may want to bring a notebook to keep up with the countless inspiring ideas that arise in the course of these great conversations.
In The House of Belonging, there are warm, drinks served in lovely cups that fit perfectly in the palm of your hand. There is whipped cream and cinnamon sprinkled on top, and as you raise the cup to your mouth to take a sip, you find yourself closing your eyes to take in the sweet scent of it all. There are also big, yummy, nourishing salads with colourful and hearty, fresh local ingredients drizzled in just the right amount of dressing.
In The House of Belonging, the lighting is gorgeous and warm, the wood beams on the ceiling create a sweet rustic feel, that makes you feel at home. If you’re lucky enough to be there as the sunsets, you can take in the transition, as the warm lights cast a magical spell through the place. And you look around, and say to yourself, I’m just so happy to be here.
In The House of Belonging, there are big windows that look out over the gorgeous surroundings. The musky smell of a nearby firepit wafts in through an open window, bringing a sense of calm and earthiness to the entire space.
As you step outside The House of Belonging, you find a veranda that wraps around the house where you will find tiny notes attached to the suspended grape vines on the ceiling of the Veranda. You take the time to read a few of the notes, that feel like tiny little love letters just for you.
As you leave the House of Belonging, you may feel a tinge of fear that you somehow won’t be able to recall how to get back. Ot that this was all just a dream. Fear not dear guest, for once you’ve visited the House of Belonging, you take something of it with you. And know, that the warmth from this House, has a way of finding you. And that you WILL find your way back here, I know this for sure.
In The House of Belonging, I remain. With warmth, and welcoming. With colourful cushions on floor, and cinnamony drinks for each guest. Come back and visit anytime. You are always welcome, in The House of Belonging.