Belonging: On the Sacred Gift of Giving

Since arriving in Chile a couple of months ago, I have spent lot of my time landscaping and gardening at Los Lobos Sanctuary—where Alberto and I steward six acres of carefully designed gardens along with several more acres of wild forest.

Although we have dedicated caretakers, after being away for six months much had become overgrown, eaten by rabbits, or poorly managed. Today I feel a bit tired, yet deeply anchored by a strong sense of belonging.

Every flower, bush or tree that I planted, watered, or pruned, seems to recognize me as part of the ecosystem that sustains it. The bees and bumble bees are not scare of my presence, while the birds come close, chirping what feels like their ongoing stories of the seasons.

Yes, I am a little tired, but I am also filled with the vibrant life force of summer. Just a week ago Alberto and I harvested baskets full of apricots, which we turn into my favorite marmalade (a little sugar at the height of summer feels entirely natural). Every week brings a new taste like avocados, pomegranates, almonds, oranges, and apples.

With the land, to give is to receive. This sense of fullness only inspires us to give more, creating a virtuous cycle of reciprocity. I believe this same principle applies not only to the land, but also to most people and places. As the saying goes, kindness begets kindness.

Of course, there are moments—and relationships—so toxic that kindness must be accompanied by skillful wisdom, and perhaps even a protective boundary. In those cases, reciprocity may still emerge, but it often requires patience, discernment, and time.

In my experience, belonging does not come from taking or striving, but from participating with an open heart. In offering ourselves—our care, our attention, our love—we discover a deeper satisfaction: the simple knowing that we are part of something alive, reciprocal, and sacred.

As I finish these words, I feel myself part of a greater web—one that includes you, the reader—inviting us into participation, reciprocity, and deep belonging.

What brings you a sense of belonging?

Marcela Lobos