Full Moon in Aquarius (Part 1): The Paradox of Individuality and Belonging
The opposite of belonging is fitting in. — Brené Brown
Tonight’s full moons in the sign of Aquarius pulls focus on creative collaborations and community.
Aquarius is an air sign: a sign of intellect and innovation, ruling technology. It is also the sign of collaborative groups, teams, and humanitarian efforts.
The apparent paradox of Aquarius is that it is both individualistic and collaborative at once.
They can seem to be at odds. But if we consider a little more closely, we might realize this isn’t a paradox at all; individuality is the necessary ingredient for belonging. And it is essential for constructive collaboration.
The other day I heard a clip where Brené Brown said the opposite of belonging is fitting in.
Brown explained that
To fit in we try to change who we are. True belonging asks us to be who we are.
She also described belonging as
being part of something bigger than yourself and having the courage to stand alone.
When we try to fit in and seek acceptance from others, we actually block ourselves from belonging.
As Brown writes:
Because true belonging only happens when we present our authentic, imperfect selves to the world, our sense of belonging can never be greater than our level of self-acceptance.
If you’re suppressing your opinion in a group setting in order to be liked, you not only compromise yourself; you also compromise the collaborative effort.
Creativity and innovation emerge from dissension and disagreement.
If everyone in the group thinks the same and works in the same way, then collaboration is impossible. We would only have sameness.
What makes collaboration so magical is the fusing together of different viewpoints, talents, and skills to create a result that couldn’t have emerged from one person acting alone, or a group of people who all had the same perspective and skills.
It’s the variance of opinions and perspectives that allows for innovation and makes the final result stronger.
to find belonging
accept yourself as you are
and dare to stand out
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