It’s the battle as old as time. Reason vs. Emotion. Feelings vs. Fact. Heart vs. Head. One of the beautiful parts of belonging is that it doesn't force us to pick a side in this never-ending conflict. The feeling of belonging is just as important on our belonging journey as the need to belong.

If our heart oversees the “feeling” of belonging, where would the “need” to belong be housed in our physiology? The brain!

The brain, the most complex and advanced organ, can be explained in simple terms. The brain has primary goals that are achieved (or not) by the answers to a few basic questions. Click the link to watch this short video from Conscious Discipline that explores the 3 primary states of the brain, and the 3 primary questions that go along with them: The Conscious Discipline Brain State Model & How to Apply It

Belonging happens when we experience safety and connection. These are what we call the belonging pre-requisites. Belonging gives you access to your cortex, the location of optimal human functioning; a space where the heart and head no longer need to be at odds with one another, telling you different things, but can work together for your flourishing and thriving.

Check your understanding by answering the quiz questions below.