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Do You Feel Like You Belong? – 3 Steps To Cultivate Deeper Connection

Silvana Avram is a successful, Inspirational Life Coach, philosopher, author, teacher, and founder of Life Coaching with Silvana – whose mission is to empower us to embrace our uniqueness, fall in love with life, fulfill our potential and create a beautiful legacy.

 
Executive Contributor Silvana Avram

I will never forget the night I first gazed at the sky as a child. Under the luminous arch of the Milky Way, my father pointed upward, his voice filled with mystery. “This is our galaxy,” he said. “And just like these stars, you too can shine brilliantly. All you need to do is be the best version of yourself. Trust the universe to take care of the rest.”


woman enjoying view in nature

It was a moment of pure magic, one that ignited a lifelong belief in the light within us all. Decades later, I still find myself looking at the sky with the same sense of wonder. Our galaxy. Our cosmic home.


But why is it, in a universe so vast and awe-inspiring, that we so often feel small, fearful, and disconnected? Our ancestors once looked to the stars with reverence, their lives rooted in awe and an enduring sense of belonging. Over time, we sought answers to their questions and developed ways to cope with the mystery of existence. We’ve made extraordinary progress, but somehow, we seem to have lost the joy, the wonder, and the connection that once defined our relationship with the cosmos.


In a time when many of us feel deeply disconnected—grappling with loneliness, despair, and division—it’s vital to remember that we can find our way back. We can reconnect with our essence, reclaim our place in the universe, and do so with gratitude and courage.


Reconnecting with the universe is like weaving ourselves back into the fabric of existence, rediscovering the awe and oneness we’ve all felt at some point in our lives. It’s about recognizing that we are not separate but part of a vast, interconnected web. It’s about remembering that we, too, are luminous, like the stars.


I believe this shift in perspective can transform us. By cultivating a sense of belonging, we can move beyond fear, heal our wounds, and embrace life with wonder and joy. This is not just about seeing ourselves as worthy but recognizing the extraordinary beings we truly are.


When we rediscover our belonging, fulfillment, and happiness, become possible. 


Allow me to share three powerful steps that I have used personally and as a coach to guide others from doubt to trust, from fear to serenity, and from worry to joy. 


These steps will help us liberate ourselves from fear, restore trust, and reaffirm our place in the universe—not just as individuals, but as a collective humanity.


1. Rediscover wonder and embrace your stardust origins


"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." – Albert Einstein

It is a miracle that we are alive. A miracle that we exist on a small planet within a vast, ever-expanding universe. Yet, too often, we live as though none of this is extraordinary. We focus on limitations, choosing division over solidarity, fear over trust, and worry over joy.


This mindset hasn’t made us happy. It’s time to change the narrative.


It’s time to look up instead of down, to trust life instead of fearing it, and to embrace the universe as our home. Earth is our shared classroom, where we are meant to learn, share, and grow. But how can we begin this shift?


By cultivating a sense of wonder—seeing the miracles in everything around us.


Seeing the universe through the lens of miracles

Modern science and ancient wisdom are converging to show us the extraordinary nature of existence. Consider, for example, these truths: 


  • Every atom in your body originated in the heart of a star. Think about that—what does it make you feel?

  • The colours you see are the reflections of different wavelengths of light, revealing the vibrancy of energy all around you.

  • The ground beneath your feet isn’t stationary but part of a tiny planet spinning through space at breathtaking speed.

These facts aren’t just trivia; they are invitations to feel connected to the universe and recognize your place within it.


Take a moment to reflect on this thought: 

I am one with the universe, with life. I am life.

Allow this thought to guide you. Feel at home in the universe. Trust that you belong here. Let gratitude for this existence replace fear. Experience the profound shift that occurs when you view life as working for you, not against you.


When we embrace life with awe and gratitude, we begin to understand that we are part of an infinite continuum. We replace fear with trust, and we see ourselves as miracles too. This perspective empowers us to take responsibility for who we want to be and what we want to create.


Practical ways to cultivate wonder


Engage with science and the cosmos


  • Watch documentaries like Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey (2014) to deepen your understanding of the universe.

  • Use apps like Star Walk or SkyView for stargazing, or visit a local observatory to connect with the stars firsthand.

Explore profound perspectives

  • Read about Carl Sagan’s Pale Blue Dot to appreciate humanity’s place in the cosmos and gain perspective on life’s challenges.

Reflect on the mystery of existence

  • Open a journal and ask yourself life’s big questions: Who am I? Why am I here? What is my connection to the universe? Don’t worry about finding answers—embrace the mystery.


The power of wonder

To see the universe as a miracle is to cultivate a heart full of gratitude. This shift in perspective can transform how we live, replacing fear with trust, isolation with connection, and despair with joy.


By embracing wonder, we see ourselves not as insignificant but as intrinsic parts of a vast, interconnected story. We are stardust, shining brightly, and capable of extraordinary things.


The universe is our home, and through wonder, we can truly belong to it once more.


2. Embrace mindfulness and reconnect with nature

Once we reconnect with the universe, the next step is to shift our focus to our immediate surroundings. Nature is our most accessible gateway to the cosmos. Even a humble patch of grass or a quiet city park is part of the grand cosmic story.


No two leaves are identical, and no two snowflakes are the same. Everything around us carries its own unique wonder. This miraculous diversity is a reminder that nature, in all its forms, is a reflection of the universe's infinite creativity—and we are part of it too.


Rediscovering the miracle of nature

Take a moment to pause and truly observe your surroundings:


  • Acknowledge the trees, flowers, and animals you encounter.

  • Listen to the sounds of the wind, birds, or rustling leaves.

  • Smell the earthy aromas of soil, grass, or rain.

  • Touch the bark of a tree or the petals of a flower.

Feel the interconnectedness of it all. These small acts of attention bring us closer to nature and, by extension, the universe.


Now, turn inward. Your body is a miracle too—a finely tuned ecosystem that rises and falls with the rhythm of life. Breathe deeply. Feel your heartbeat. Sense the energy flowing through you. Experience the joy of simply being alive.


Reflect on this thought:

I am part of the continuum of nature. Nature nurtures me.

Acknowledge all the ways in which you are supported by Mother Earth, from the light that wakes you up in the morning, to the delicious food available to you. 


Practical steps to deepen connection


Practice mindfulness in nature


  • Engage in a walking meditation, focusing on the sensation of each step or the texture of the earth beneath your feet.

  • Pause to listen to the wind, the chirping of birds, or the rustle of leaves without any distractions.

Create intentional moments of connection

  • Watch a sunrise or sunset, leaving your phone and other distractions behind.

  • Spend time journaling about your experiences in nature, noting how it makes you feel and what you notice.

Embrace the feeling of smallness

  • Stand beneath a towering tree or gaze at a vast landscape. Let the enormity of nature remind you of your place within a larger whole. This sense of "smallness" can paradoxically deepen your connection and make you feel more at home in the world.


The power of connecting with nature

Nature invites us to slow down, breathe, and be present. It offers a pathway to rediscover our innate connection to life and to embrace a sense of belonging. In these moments, we realize that just as nature nurtures us, we are also a part of its grand story.


Through mindfulness and connection with nature, we replace the distractions of modern life with gratitude and wonder. This perspective helps us find peace, joy, and a renewed sense of purpose.


3. Cultivate gratitude and self-love – Embracing the miracle of being you

The final step in feeling at home in the universe is to turn inward. After reconnecting with the cosmos and the natural world, it’s time to focus on the most personal miracle of all: you.


You are a unique, irreplaceable part of the universe. Every thought, every breath, every step you take is a testament to the miracle of life. 


Yet, too often, we forget to appreciate ourselves. We become our harshest critics, drowning in self-doubt and fear. To truly feel at home in the universe, we must learn to embrace ourselves with the same awe and gratitude we feel for the stars or the natural world.


Meditate on this affirmation: 

I am an intelligent, beautiful Human Being. I am enough. I am loved. I am worthy of joy.

The practice of gratitude and self-love


Begin with gratitude

  • Start each day by acknowledging three things you’re grateful for. They can be as simple as a sunrise or the warmth of your morning coffee.

  • Reflect on your accomplishments, no matter how small, and appreciate the effort you’ve made to get where you are today.

Practice self-love

  • Treat yourself as you would a dear friend: with kindness, patience, and compassion.

  • When self-critical thoughts arise, challenge them. Replace judgment with curiosity and negativity with encouragement.

Embrace your unique journey

  • Celebrate what makes you you. Whether it’s your quirks, strengths, or even your struggles, these are the threads of your story.

  • Recognize that self-love is not about perfection but about embracing yourself wholly, flaws and all.


Practical steps to deepen gratitude and self-love

  • Gratitude journal: Keep a journal to record moments, people, or things you’re grateful for each day. Over time, this practice rewires your mind to focus on the positive.

  • Mirror work: Spend a few moments each day looking into a mirror and saying kind words to yourself. It might feel strange at first, but it can be transformative.

  • Guided exercises: Consider joining a coaching course designed to help you cultivate self-love and gratitude. In my programs, we delve deep into strategies and support systems that empower you to step into your best self.


The power of being you

When you learn to see yourself as the miracle you are, you reclaim your power and align with the flow of the universe. Gratitude and self-love are the keys to unlocking joy, trust, and fulfillment. As you embrace your unique journey, you become a light not only for yourself but for those around you.


If you’d like to explore this journey further, my book “Being You and Loving You – The Ultimate Guide to Fulfilment” offers insights and practical tools to help you deepen your relationship with yourself and the universe. Together, through self-discovery and mindful practices, we can cultivate the trust and joy you deserve.


Coming home to the universe

You are at home in the universe. You are at home on planet Earth. You are at home by Being You.


How wonderful it is to rediscover your stellar origins, your unbreakable bond with nature, and your exquisite, unique beauty. 


To belong is not a distant concept—it is a truth waiting to be embraced.


As Eckhart Tolle beautifully put it, "You are the universe expressing itself as a human for a little while."


I hope this article has inspired you, as Einstein invites us, to see everything as a miracle: to see life on Earth as miraculous and to recognize that you are a miracle too.


Belonging is a profound and joyful feeling.


Feeling at home in the universe doesn’t require monumental changes. It starts with small, intentional steps. 


Perhaps today, you’ll take a moment to look up at the stars, take a mindful walk in nature, or watch a documentary to reconnect with the awe of the cosmos.


Together, let’s remind each other of the joy of simply being.


As my father said, pointing to the stars, “All you have to do to shine your light is always be the best you can be. Trust that the universe will take care of the rest.”


PS: I’d love to hear your own experience of reconnecting with the universe, nature, and yourself. Please reach out or consider joining one of my courses. Until then, remember: you are a star, and you belong.


Follow me on Facebook, InstagramLinkedIn, and visit my website for more info!

 

Silvana Avram, Inspirational Life Coach and Author

Silvana Avram is a successful, Inspirational Life Coach, philosopher, author, teacher, and founder of Life Coaching with Silvana – whose mission is to empower us to embrace our uniqueness, fall in love with life, fulfill our potential and create a beautiful legacy.


Fascinated from a young age by the mystery of life and our place in the universe, Silvana has been on a quest to find her own answers to the big existential questions facing humanity. Now an acclaimed Coach and Author, she draws on her extensive study of Philosophy, Psychology, Meditation, Holistic Healing, and Spirituality to create a uniquely inspirational and empowering style of Coaching – also reflected in her Book “Being You and Loving You” in which she guides us through an unforgettable, transformative journey of self-discovery and self-love.

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