What Does It Mean to Understand Your "Sense of Place" and Positionality?
When we reflect on where we live, work, or travel, how often do we ask ourselves: How did I get here?
Understanding your sense of place goes far beyond knowing your physical location on a map. It involves recognizing your positionality—the social, political, and historical context of the space you occupy. When living in or visiting places with complex histories of colonization and occupation, self-awareness becomes an essential step toward living mindfully and respectfully.
The Uncomfortable Reality of Occupying Space
For many non-indigenous people living in colonized regions, realizing that you are present without an explicit invitation can feel uncomfortable.
Reflecting on Privilege: It is crucial to examine whether you moved to a place out of personal desire or entitlement rather than invitation.
Acknowledging History: Many of us were never taught the real-world impacts of ongoing colonialism in school. Unlearning unexamined assumptions is necessary for personal growth.
Moving Past Guilt: Feeling a sense of responsibility or shame is natural when facing history, but the goal is not to dwell in guilt—it is to cultivate active awareness.
Key Questions for Self-Reflection
To better understand your personal relationship to the land and local community, take a moment to ask yourself:
Did I come here by invitation, or because I felt entitled to be here?
Am I taking active steps to learn the history and culture of the Indigenous people of this land?
How does my daily presence affect the local ecosystem, community, and economy?
How can I repair historical harms through my actions, respect, and presence today?
How to Practice Mindful Presence and Respect
Being a respectful guest or settler requires intentionality. Here are actionable steps you can take to practice mindfulness in your environment:
Educate Yourself: Read about the history of colonization, land rights, and Indigenous culture from local, primary sources.
Practice Humble Listening: Take a step back, listen to local voices, and avoid centering yourself in local discussions.
Pay Due Respect: Support local businesses, respect land preservation guidelines, and contribute positively to the community.
Embrace Ongoing Growth: Recognizing your positionality is an ongoing process of learning, reflecting, and adapting.
Final Thoughts: Moving Forward with Intentionality
Taking a step back to gain awareness of your positionality isn't about self-judgment—it's about learning how to show up with respect, humbleness, and gratitude. By paying due respect to the land and its original stewards, we contribute to a more conscious and harmonious world.
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