Home

Dear Reader,

A home, of some kind, is something most of us want in life.

Or maybe, even deeper than wanting a home, we want to feel at home.

What is that feeling like?

Words that come to mind include: comfort, ease, acceptance, love, safety, and more. Home means different things to different people. You might feel at home with certain people, whether family, friends or strangers you just met. There might be certain places where you feel most at home – in nature, in church, at work, driving your car. There might even be certain activities that make you feel at home, from reading a good book to cooking a favorite meal or going for a run.

And, of course, you might feel at home in your dwelling, or perhaps when you remember a childhood home. Yes, I am very aware that some people may have negative associations with a childhood home, but even so, there may have been a favorite spot or favorite time that gave the feeling of home in a more positive way.

So when we drill down, what is the common factor in all of these different ways we can feel at home?

Perhaps they represent times when we feel most ourselves, who we really are. We feel completely accepted, and free to express ourselves without worrying about being rejected. We can love and be loved, feel life flow through us, and feel connected.

Now a bigger question: do you need any special circumstances to feel at home? Can you feel at home in your own skin? Lately, I have been focusing on those times, even when the feeling only lasts for a few moments. Usually, the feeling comes to me when I am not hurrying, and have no agenda. I am present where I am. Often, I am not thinking too much, trying to figure something out. I am just being me, simply and fully. I feel my body moving freely, often from deep in my bones.

Think back and find few moments like that for yourself, dear reader. Where were you? What were you doing? And if you struggle to find times when you truly have felt at home, how could you change that?

Feeling at home is important in life. In fact, I contend that this feeling may come from our deepest desire of all – to feel connected to our source, where we all came from in the first place. It is perhaps the deepest sense of connection available to us.

Home, with a big “H.”

Does that resonate with you? And what does home mean to you? Let’s hear from you and find out!

I honor your loving heart,

John