Shame and Belonging

Shame and Belonging

How authentic relating, mindfulness and nature connection help us open to a sense of belonging as well as dismantle the obstacle shame presents to participating in collaborative living culture.

A 90-minute on-line course with Alexis Slutzky, MFT.

Course description:

Shame is the recurring feeling of being unworthy of connection, that something is wrong with us, and we dwell outside of the circle of belonging. One of the most common experiences of living in these times within the dominant culture of oppression and separation – from ourselves, each other and the living earth, is an internalized feeling of defectiveness, resulting in isolation. The nuances of this universal experience vary, depending on our histories, identities and lived experience within supremacy culture. The remedy is an understanding of our historical legacies, a willingness to relate in present moment authentic connection, and a commitment to doing our part to create communities of safety and care.

In this 90-minute online course we will briefly explore the territory of shame from our individual and collective identities and focus on nourishing our sense of connection through heartfelt sharing, writing, present moment awareness (mindfulness) and an orientation towards the enchantment in the natural living world. In the healing presence of each other and the sacred, we find our way together into the gratitude and joy that often accompany honoring the places of separation, remembering who we are and the gifts we carry to contribute towards the healing of our world, and a living culture that is just and reverent towards all life.