Being, Belonging and the Longing to Belong

This interdisciplinary panel is the outcome of a year-long collaborative inquiry within the Spiritual Healing and Art Workgroup, bringing together scholars, artists, therapists, educators, and practitioners from diverse backgrounds. Exploring belonging as a spiritual, psychological, embodied, and creative process, the session moves beyond fixed identity frameworks to examine belonging as an ontological and relational experience. Drawing on non-dual philosophy, Jungian psychology, contemplative practice, and artistic inquiry, the panel addresses the paradox of persistent unbelonging despite inherent interconnectedness. Through theoretical reflection, somatic awareness, and creative expression, the session enacts belonging as a lived, collective practice rather than an abstract ideal.