I have struggled with fitting in my whole life. I have had severe social anxiety, and always feel judged and "not enough". Too weird, too different, too quiet, too whatever. And yet, for some reason I was called to take a GIANT leap out of my comfort zone and go to this Tantra festival, knowing full well I would be spending 90% of my time there alone. And I did it! I went, I talked to strangers, I danced naked, I attended workshops, faced my Demons and released all kinds of old crap that had been buried for decades, and not once did I feel like I didn't belong. Not once! I had my issues, but never felt that I shouldn't be there. I realized that everyone there was dealing with their own weird, just as I was. Katrina, you are very respected there. I talked to so many people who had heard you talk last year, or had read your books or watched your videos and wanted to hear more. Your down-to-earth perspective of tantra balances the carnival atmosphere and makes it all real. Real life real. People realize tantra is not just ren-faire, it is a real life path. This is why you are needed there, to give the event a huge and comforting dose of reality. Your presence was acknowledged and appreciated by so many searchers there, specifically because you embrace your own truth so effortlessly, and share that truth so openly with everyone around you. Without that balance, the festival would be nothing but junk food, filling people up but leaving them ultimately empty.
This was such an interesting read Katrina and so spot on. I have felt different all my life. When I was quite young people treated me different, usually avoidance because of an family tragedy. And so I started to act up so people rejected me even more, I guess I thought I’d get in there first! Growing up I’ve just never felt I fitted in with groups of people which is sad because I’m really quite fun to be with. For me, it’s not a self esteem issue, I’ve just felt judged (omg, I’ve just realised I was doing the judging as much as feeling judged 🤦♀️)
I love the concept of embracing our differences when in this kind of situation. How can we learn to grow if we surround ourselves with like minded people, we should learn to cherish and embrace being different especially teaching kids growing up.
Great thought-provoking piece, Katrina! I think it’s related to self esteem. The more we truly value ourselves, the less we feel compelled to fit in by being the same.
I heard,this amazing line in a popular tv show. The guy asks his friends who are feeling insecure about being in the bar they are all in(its a fancy one and they feel they dont look the part), "do you want to be here?" They all respond, "yes". He says, "well then you belong here". Now I say that to myself whenever i feel insecure somewhere.
I do like the perspective of belonging because I bring something different to a situation or space. I am often in a comparison struggle and trying to believe that I am enough as I am.
I feel I don't fit in at work because I'm more than 30 years older than some of the others who do the same job. The younger set seem to talk the same language, have the same understanding of things, watch the same TV shows, listen to the same music etc. Half the time I can't keep up with what they are all chatting about and wouldn't feel I could contribute. Since I've been there, noone, and I mean noone has ever asked me what I do in the evenings/weekends, what my interests are. But i believe Im quite an interesting and a different character. I'm not the kind of person that will offer information until I'm asked. And noone asks. It's a strange place to be. Perhaps I'm working in the wrong environment.
I have struggled with fitting in my whole life. I have had severe social anxiety, and always feel judged and "not enough". Too weird, too different, too quiet, too whatever. And yet, for some reason I was called to take a GIANT leap out of my comfort zone and go to this Tantra festival, knowing full well I would be spending 90% of my time there alone. And I did it! I went, I talked to strangers, I danced naked, I attended workshops, faced my Demons and released all kinds of old crap that had been buried for decades, and not once did I feel like I didn't belong. Not once! I had my issues, but never felt that I shouldn't be there. I realized that everyone there was dealing with their own weird, just as I was. Katrina, you are very respected there. I talked to so many people who had heard you talk last year, or had read your books or watched your videos and wanted to hear more. Your down-to-earth perspective of tantra balances the carnival atmosphere and makes it all real. Real life real. People realize tantra is not just ren-faire, it is a real life path. This is why you are needed there, to give the event a huge and comforting dose of reality. Your presence was acknowledged and appreciated by so many searchers there, specifically because you embrace your own truth so effortlessly, and share that truth so openly with everyone around you. Without that balance, the festival would be nothing but junk food, filling people up but leaving them ultimately empty.
Thank you so so much Melisa! I do feel a lot of love there for sure... I'm so glad you were there. What an experience to share together!
This was such an interesting read Katrina and so spot on. I have felt different all my life. When I was quite young people treated me different, usually avoidance because of an family tragedy. And so I started to act up so people rejected me even more, I guess I thought I’d get in there first! Growing up I’ve just never felt I fitted in with groups of people which is sad because I’m really quite fun to be with. For me, it’s not a self esteem issue, I’ve just felt judged (omg, I’ve just realised I was doing the judging as much as feeling judged 🤦♀️)
I love the concept of embracing our differences when in this kind of situation. How can we learn to grow if we surround ourselves with like minded people, we should learn to cherish and embrace being different especially teaching kids growing up.
Great thought-provoking piece, Katrina! I think it’s related to self esteem. The more we truly value ourselves, the less we feel compelled to fit in by being the same.
I heard,this amazing line in a popular tv show. The guy asks his friends who are feeling insecure about being in the bar they are all in(its a fancy one and they feel they dont look the part), "do you want to be here?" They all respond, "yes". He says, "well then you belong here". Now I say that to myself whenever i feel insecure somewhere.
I do like the perspective of belonging because I bring something different to a situation or space. I am often in a comparison struggle and trying to believe that I am enough as I am.
Wow. I love that. I'm going to think that from now on! Thank you! 😊
I love this topic.
I feel I don't fit in at work because I'm more than 30 years older than some of the others who do the same job. The younger set seem to talk the same language, have the same understanding of things, watch the same TV shows, listen to the same music etc. Half the time I can't keep up with what they are all chatting about and wouldn't feel I could contribute. Since I've been there, noone, and I mean noone has ever asked me what I do in the evenings/weekends, what my interests are. But i believe Im quite an interesting and a different character. I'm not the kind of person that will offer information until I'm asked. And noone asks. It's a strange place to be. Perhaps I'm working in the wrong environment.