What if you didn’t have to earn belonging—because it was already inside you?

This episode explores the difference between seeking approval and trusting your own worth. So many of us shrink ourselves, wear masks, or change who we are just to feel accepted. But belonging isn’t something we gain from others—it’s something we remember within ourselves.

The conversation dives into the idea that molding yourself to please others can feel safe in the moment, but over time it pulls you further from your truth. Drawing from yogic philosophy (Asmita, Satya, and Santosha) and neuroscience, the episode shows how authenticity and self-compassion lead to stronger relationships, inner peace, and true resilience.

Through journal prompts, gentle breathing practices, and reflective mantras, you’ll be guided back to the part of you that knows: I am already enough. I belong to myself. This episode is for anyone who’s tired of performing and ready to live in integrity with who they truly are.

Episode Chapters:

00:00:00 Introduction

00:03:42 Seeking Approval vs. Inner Worth

00:08:16 Yoga Lens: Asmita and Atman

00:10:53 Scientific View: Self-Compassion & Belonging

00:13:39 Reflective Prompts: What Are You Hiding?

00:16:44 Performing vs. Integrity

00:22:08 Neuroscience of Authenticity

00:25:50 Belonging Lives Within

00:28:11 Final Reflection Prompts

00:29:45 Closing Mantras & Breathwork

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📌 Mentions & Resources

• Previous Episode: Inner Critic vs. True Self (recommended for context)
  

• Yogic Concepts:
  

• • Asmita (false identity)

  • Atman (soul, true self)

  • Satya (truthfulness)

  • Santosha (contentment)
    

• Reflective Prompts (shared in episode):
  

• • Where have I mistaken external approval for true belonging?

  • What parts of myself have I hidden to be accepted?

  • What would it feel like to let them be seen?

  • What does my body feel like when I’m rooted in my truth?

  • What small act can I take today to honor my belonging from within?

• Michael Henri’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelyoga.pt/

• Going Pro Yoga’s Instagram: https://www.instagram/com/goingproyoga/

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Tags: belonging, self-worth, integrity, asmita, satya, santosha, self-compassion, authenticity, inner critic, approval seeking, yoga philosophy, personal growth, nervous system, emotional health, true self