Belonging is one of those catch-all terms that everyone talks about, but we're often describing completely different experiences. On this episode, Mateo explores a framework that breaks belonging into three distinct dimensions - not as a prescription to follow, but as a compass for understanding the different ways we can experience connection.

• The three dimensions of belonging: Self, Others, and Universal
• Why most conversations about belonging get stuck focusing on just one dimension
• How belonging with yourself creates space for more authentic relationships
• The science behind our innate connection to nature and something larger than ourselves
• Why exclusion registers in our brains the same way physical pain does
• How to use these dimensions as pathways when you're feeling disconnected
• The Venn diagram approach: mapping the seven different states of belonging

• Brené Brown's True Belonging and what it means to stand alone in the wilderness
• The biophilia hypothesis and why we're wired for nature connection
• Ubuntu philosophy: "I am because we are"
• How authenticity and social connection can sometimes work against each other
• Why these dimensions aren't hierarchical - just different landscapes to explore

Resources: Mateo has created a free Venn Diagram PDF mapping out all seven belonging states, complete with research notes and book recommendations. Reach out at createbelonging@gmail.com or connect on LinkedIn to get your copy.

This isn't about optimizing your belonging or checking boxes. It's about recognizing the different pathways that are always available and learning to trust your own internal compass.

Enjoying these conversations? Please subscribe, rate, and review wherever you're listening - it helps more people discover these explorations of belonging and connection. Thank you for being part of this community and for doing the work of creating belonging for yourself and others.

Music “Playing with Color” by Nullhertz obtained royalty-free from Pixabay

Thank you to the lovely people at Purple Space for your support

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Thank you for listening!

I would love your Feedback: Please send me an email at createbelonging@gmail.com and let me know what you thought of the episode.

You can also follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/createbelonging/ or on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/create-belonging

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After nearly two years away, I'm back!

This is a short update on where I've been. I stepped away to work on my mental health, handle professional commitments, and wrestle with procrastination and imposter syndrome.

During this time, I've learned that sometimes stepping back is necessary, and that belonging to yourself comes first. I've also been thinking about what Create Belonging can offer in a world where anyone can start a podcast and AI generates content instantly.

I'm returning not with a polished plan, but with curiosity and the same commitment to exploring what it means to truly belong. The format might evolve, but the core mission remains: creating space for authentic conversations about belonging.

Ready to continue this conversation about belonging? Subscribe to Create Belonging wherever you listen to podcasts, and join a community committed to exploring what it truly means to belong in this world.

Acknowledgments:

Music “Playing with Color” by Nullhertz obtained royalty-free from Pixabay

Thank you to the lovely people at Purple Space for your support

——————————-

Thank you for listening!

I would love your Feedback: Please send me an email at createbelonging@gmail.com and let me know what you thought of the episode.

You can also follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/createbelonging/ or on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/create-belonging

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For Episode 12 of Create Belonging - we explore CREATIVITY and FACILITATION with Jenny Theolin.

Did you know that creativity is one of the keys to finding your belonging?

Creativity is about taking what we know, what we imagine, and what surrounds us and making something significant, something that may not have existed otherwise.

We all have the potential to be creative and, in many ways, creativity is something that is deeply human and something that requires action and courage. If we are trying to discover our belonging or if we are trying to help others belong, then creativity is one of the necessary skills that one will need.

And when it comes to understanding how creativity can be used for belonging, I knew I wanted to speak to Jenny Theolin.

Jenny Theolin is a renowned expert who helps people learn more effectively. Calling upon her wealth of experience from around the world and background in design, she creates effective, engaging, and memorable learning experiences for organisations, schools, and non-profits.

Jenny grew up as a world citizen, where she developed a high cultural intelligence and understanding of the humanity that connects us all.

This conversation explores the power of facilitation and how this skill is often overlooked. Jenny’s latest book is “Dare to Facilitate” a collaboration with expert facilitators sharing their insights on how to properly embrace facilitation as the skill that helps individuals and companies collaborate better and tap into people’s true potential.

This was a very FUN, insightful, and generous conversation with a creative human who creates belonging in all her projects.

I was inspired by this conversation, and I hope you too will be inspired.

Resources to continue exploring:

• Jenny’s personal website, Instagram, X, LinkedIn
• Studio Theolin’s website
• Her New Book “DARE TO FACILITATE” book website
• Download: “How to be an Alien” by George Mikes (1946) inspired one of Jenny’s previous art show called “Alienation”. You can download the full book in PDF here.
• Elizabeth Gilbert on Distinguishing Between Hobbies, Jobs, Careers, & Vocation from Acumen Academy Youtube

Support Create Belonging:

• Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify.
• Get in touch and Please send us your feedback: www.createbelonging.com/contact
• Share this episode with a friend!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.