To me if you own your own home here are some of the effects that ownership might bring: safety, confidence, protection, community, shelter, peace, tranquility, belonging, family, neighbors, pets, children, inspiration, imagination, etc. and all of these things bring or are manifested into LOVE.

If one thinks about it, houses come in all sizes and shaped but a house is not necessarily a home. That’s because a home contains something that not everyone has, or can experience, a home contains LOVE! You can see it everywhere in a home, in the people who live there, in the way they decorate their surroundings, from pictures, objects, furniture etc. and their attitude toward neighbors and mankind in general.

So, it’s LOVE that makes our houses our homes, Yes, this is where the heart is, this is where you will find it, transferring that positive energy that turns a house into our homes!

From your comments I see that you all agree on “Home is where your heart is”. It is always thrilling to see a common point showing up in different minds. The question is then, where is the heart? We need to figure that out first to find our home afterwards, don’t you think?

Paul, it seems like the topic is very actual in your life now! (I have to tell you that I got an e-mail from a constant reader who is a little shy to post comments, saying that he could not leave it unnoticed that this post was addressed to him.) It is interesting that you bring up ownership here. I guess it must be something like a ritual that brings certainty. And safety, confidence and protection, all brought by a true home. They are just one step away from there! Don’t you think?

Marcus, you expanded the concept both geographically and spiritually to my taste. I am also taking sides when in comes to finding an inner point of support. Thanks for pointing that out!

Teodora, you brought your personal touch to the topic, as usual. The ability that you preserved “of giving imaginary (it’s not imaginary at all:) features to stuff” is a rare bird I guess. I am not sure how many people can do that after growing up. Good point with the cats! Fortunately mine just missed this article

One other observation I have made regarding the “secret of feeling at home” is when there is permanency/ownership involved. What do I mean by this, here is a brief explanation.

When I was younger and finally moved away from home to start life on my own, I first started out by living in apartments, or places I had to rent and did not actually own. Some of these places were very nice, in nice locations, and I tried to make them very livable with nice furnishings and decorations. However, try as I might I never was able to feel at home in these places.

Then there came a day in my life where I was offered a good job in a southern city (I happened to be living in the USA at the time). When I first moved there I rented a place for my wife and small daughter but I made a vow to myself that I would do whatever it took to buy my own home.

After several months we found a nice older house which we bought, fixed it up and made it our first home. Although old, it was quite comfortable with lots of old fashion charm. At that time I traveled a lot, but whenever I returned from a trip I always felt like I was returning home and not just a place for living.

After that assignment my company moved me several times to different locations throughout the USA. With every move I always bought another house which always gave me that feeling of permanency and returning/being at home.

Now, I have been living in Hungary for a few years. To be honest I like living in Budapest, but somehow I have never really been able to feel at home here. Whenever I think about why this is, one of the main reasons I come up with is because I have always rented since my arrival. Yes, and even after almost 4 years my flat still doesn’t seem like home.

So, I suspect when I finally make the move and buy a place of my own, weather it’s in Budapest or in the country, I will finally feel comfortable and that I’m at home at last. I hope this happens soon, as in spite of all the problems here, I really love Hungary and want it to be one of my many homes!

Have you experienced this permanency/ownership home connection, I suspect the answer might be yes?

But then there is the feeling of “being at home with oneself” which I think is a large part of what you are getting at. For me, that feeling is an internal feeling and has little to do with what is around me. It’s a feeling that gets stronger and more stable as I get older. And it comes with an inner self assuredness. Not to be mistaken with being cocky or arrogant, but rather an inner feeling of peace.

For me this one of the main aspects of spiritual growth. In our materialistic world it is all too easy to identity ourselves with our environment or with the atmosphere we find ourselves in. But that really isn’t a part of our identity. In many cases the people that carry the feeling of “being at home” where ever they are, are perpetual travellers. People who move from country to country and have little in the way of possessions other than what they can carry in their suitcase.

“Home is where the Heart is”. The heart is inside of us. Both physically and spiritually.

Certainly I think it is easier to feel at home when the place you are at has a nice relaxing atmosphere. This doesn’t necessarily mean there must be children or animals running around.

Atmosphere and a pleasant surround is everything to help you feel at home. Here are a few examples:

I have a friend who has a big house and it is furnished with very expensive furniture and toys. When ever I visit, everything is in its place and everything is so formal that I find it hard to relax there.

On the other hand my other friend has a modest house furnished with comfortable old furniture, but everything is homey including good old fashion hospitality. Whenever I walk into that house it feels like home, or better said, somewhere I really want to be.

Bars and restaurants are the same. Where do you feel more at home? In a neighborhood bar or restaurant with good homemade food where you are greeted by your first name? Or, a plush trendy bar and restaurant with sterile surroundings, including the waiters?

Perhaps the bottom line is, it’s the people we choose to be with and are surrounded by that makes us feel at home, where ever we might be. I can be at home almost anywhere when I’m surrounded by good, warm, and friendly people.