You Belong: A Call for Connection

by Sebene Selassie, TBD (Read by)

Overview

Buddhist thought leader Sebene Selassie—the meditation expert on Dan Harris's 10% Happier podcast and former executive director of New York Insight Meditation Center—explains the concept of “True Belonging,” and shows you how to use it to truly be your authentic, centered, and confident self in every moment, no matter where you are.

When you feel you truly belong, you are finally free to be exactly yourself in every moment—no matter where you are or in what circumstance—allowing you to experience the peace, confidence, and contentment that are your birthright.

This is the essence of the Buddhist principle True Belonging. In You Belong, Selassie draws on ancient wisdom to teach modern readers how to walk the path of community and connection, while strengthening their ability to stand bravely alone. Combining personal insights with practical tools, she offers lessons for living in the present moment, forgiving, focusing, and breathing. You Belong welcomes everyone—especially minorities and people of color—to the practice of mindful meditation without judgement and brings the essence and powerful benefits of Buddhism to all spiritual seekers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781094169385
Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date:	08/25/2020
Product dimensions:	5.30(w) x 7.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

Sebene Selassie has studied Buddhism for more than twenty-five years and received a BA from McGill University and an MA from the New School, where she focused on Buddhism, Hinduism, cultural studies, and race. She is a graduate of the Community Dharma Leaders Program at Spirit Rock Meditation Center, and of the Professional Coaching Course training program at New Ventures West. She was the Executive Director of New York Insight Meditation Center, where she currently teaches and on the board of the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies. A native of Ethiopia, she lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Table of Contents

Introduction: An Imitation to Belonging 1

1 The Delusion of Separation 11

We Were Never Separate

2 Domination 39

Fueling the Fire of Not Belonging

3 Ground Yourself 71

4 Know Yourself 105

5 Love Yourself 139

6 Connect Yourself 167

7 Be Yourself 201

Appendix 1 Ten Tips for Meditating at Home 227

Appendix 2 Journal Prompts & Meditations and Practice 233

Acknowledgments 241

Editorial Reviews

"If you read one book in 2020, make it this one." — Tricycle

“With grace, intelligence, and palpable compassion, Selassie weaves discussions of implicit bias, intergenerational trauma, and white supremacy throughout her coverage of more traditional spiritual topics, such as ego and conscious awareness. . . . This is a powerful work of spirituality and anti-racism.” — Publishers Weekly

“Sebene Selassie is one of the most highly respected and beloved newer voices in the mindfulness world. Her vision of belonging is one where we all find a home somewhere...in this body, this mind, with one another, on this planet. With depth and understanding (plus flashes of really funny humor) in this book Sebene skillfully traces a path we would all do well to follow.” — Sharon Salzberg, Bestselling author of Real Change

“This powerful and timely book shines a clear light on the root of our personal and societal suffering, the misperception that we don’t belong.  Sebene is a wise, brave and trustworthy spiritual guide—the teachings, stories and reflections in You Belong reveal the shared field of awareness and love that is our true home." — Tara Brach, Author of Radical Compassion  

“In You Belong, Sebene Selassie guides us in exploring all the ways we feel we don't belong. The good news is we do belong – to everyone and everything. That may be the bad news too. We belong to the feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and separation as much as to the love and connection. We belong to each other (even those we don't like or agree with), and our joy and freedom depend on recognizing this truth. With wisdom and humor, this book shows us that belonging has always been possible and it's the only way through our challenging times.” — Iyanla Vanzant, Bestselling author of Acts of Faith

From the Publisher

"If you read one book in 2020, make it this one."

Tricycle

In You Belong, Sebene Selassie guides us in exploring all the ways we feel we don't belong. The good news is we do belong – to everyone and everything. That may be the bad news too. We belong to the feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and separation as much as to the love and connection. We belong to each other (even those we don't like or agree with), and our joy and freedom depend on recognizing this truth. With wisdom and humor, this book shows us that belonging has always been possible and it's the only way through our challenging times.

Iyanla Vanzant

This powerful and timely book shines a clear light on the root of our personal and societal suffering, the misperception that we don’t belong.  Sebene is a wise, brave and trustworthy spiritual guide—the teachings, stories and reflections in You Belong reveal the shared field of awareness and love that is our true home."

Tara Brach

Sebene Selassie is one of the most highly respected and beloved newer voices in the mindfulness world. Her vision of belonging is one where we all find a home somewhere...in this body, this mind, with one another, on this planet. With depth and understanding (plus flashes of really funny humor) in this book Sebene skillfully traces a path we would all do well to follow.

Sharon Salzberg

Meditation expert Sebene Selassie encourages listeners to accept themselves and seek connection with others. In a compassionate and soothing voice, Selassie explains the importance of the human race, acknowledging the impact we have on one another, which she believes is too often overlooked. She pairs research, philosophical points, and humorous personal stories with a relatable tone to help listeners find their own personal path to joy, togetherness, and self-discovery. Chapters encourage listeners to explore and appreciate their authentic selves in a world that often gravitates toward separation and control. Selassie’s thought-provoking journal prompts and skilled meditation practices serve as tools for overcoming detachment and establishing connections with others. D.Z. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine

NOVEMBER 2020 - AudioFile

Meditation expert Sebene Selassie encourages listeners to accept themselves and seek connection with others. In a compassionate and soothing voice, Selassie explains the importance of the human race, acknowledging the impact we have on one another, which she believes is too often overlooked. She pairs research, philosophical points, and humorous personal stories with a relatable tone to help listeners find their own personal path to joy, togetherness, and self-discovery. Chapters encourage listeners to explore and appreciate their authentic selves in a world that often gravitates toward separation and control. Selassie’s thought-provoking journal prompts and skilled meditation practices serve as tools for overcoming detachment and establishing connections with others. D.Z. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine

NOVEMBER 2020 - AudioFile