Home can be interpreted in various ways: it can be a person who provides a sense of belonging, a feeling of comfort that transcends physical surroundings, a specific location that carries memories and meaning, or a refuge from life’s hardships. Poets, philosophers, and even politicians have weaved their own ideas into the fabric of this word ‘home’ throughout history, giving levels of depth to its comprehension.

However, within these complex ideas is a heartbreaking perspective that is often overlooked: that of persons who have never fully known the embrace of a home. The core of ‘home’ remains elusive for individuals continuously on the move, looking for a haven to anchor their restless souls. These wanderers travel regions with a yearning in their hearts for a spot where they can unburden themselves and find rest from their wandering existence.

Their experiences demonstrate the essential value of a home as a shelter for both the body and the spirit, demonstrating the innate human urge for connection and security. Understanding and empathy for persons without a fixed abode become increasingly crucial as society grows and the world becomes more linked. The notion of the home continues to evolve, covering both the treasured and the displaced, finally reflecting the complexity of human experience in all its manifestations.

All that is gold does not glitter,

Our birth circumstances are beyond our control; some of us enter a world where our homes are unprepared. Instead of providing refuge, these homes are a source of storms and rage. While home, family, and comfort are typically seen as invaluable, they might be compared to unpolished gold nuggets—valuable yet buried beneath. For many, escaping the limitations of these imperfect houses in quest of something more substantial is the road to stability.

Not all those who wander are lost;

Home may be discovered for these restless spirits while they journey. It resists classification as a single adjective or confinement to a specific location or unchanging heart. Instead, their devotion is linked to the adventure itself. Wandering becomes a pilgrimage, a never-ending quest for consolation and connection that transcends physical borders. They find shards of home in each step, not in a static destination, but in the motion, growth, and self-discovery that follows their never-ending quest. As they travel the uncharted frontiers of life, home becomes a fluid idea, merging with the very core of their being.

The old that is strong does not wither,

Much of my life has been spent apart from my family, a separation that, unexpectedly, does not elicit deep longings for my siblings, mother, or father. Strangely, those sentiments are frequently elusive even when I return to a place that should make me feel at ease and comfortable.

This paradox has shown me that the strength of carefully chosen connections can outweigh biology. The phrase “the blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb” takes on new significance. While family relationships are (seemingly) essential, the bonds we purposefully build frequently determine the genuine meaning of home. Home is defined by shared experiences and mutual understanding rather than geography or biological relationships. The individuals we choose to be in our lives, who share our feelings and values, lay the groundwork for our sense of belonging and purpose. Though my distance from my biological family remains, the purposeful ties I’ve made have been the foundation of my distinct sense of home.

Deep roots are not reached by the frost.

Wanderers can anchor themselves wherever they go, carrying their roots with them. They begin to understand the ephemeral aspect of existence through their constant motion. These people carefully connected their sense of belonging with their decisions, firmly establishing roots in their chosen grounds. To them, home is not a fixed location but a dynamic construct created by the stages of life they pass through.

Their nomadic lifestyle creates a profound appreciation of impermanence, allowing them to appreciate the fleeting beauty of every encounter and location. Wandering becomes a tribute to their adaptability and willingness to build a home from the fragments of experiences they acquire. They intentionally choose to nourish and extend their roots with every passing phase of life, establishing a sense of belonging that resonates inside their hearts and accompany them on their ongoing voyage.

From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring;

Wanderers are vulnerable because they lack the traditional tethers of a set home. Their ephemeral nature makes them prone to faltering. Yet, they can carry multiple responsibilities simultaneously, demonstrating their tenacity in life’s ever-changing landscapes.

Renewed shall be blade that was broken,

Wanderers, by definition, seek healing and wholeness, as the home concept resonates powerfully with all sentient beings. Contrary to popular belief, they do not travel to heal, per se. Instead, wandering catalyzes recovery by allowing people to engage inwardly with themselves and their environment. Wandering becomes a medium for reflection, a canvas on which people can reflect on their journey internally and in connection to the exterior surroundings.

It is a hopeful wish that these wandering souls, often broken and in need of peace, can find a way to settle onto their own version of a throne—a figurative image of home. This metamorphosis requires more than physical stability; it entails a spiritual settling, in which they reconcile their restless spirit and find refuge in their particular perception of home. In this pursuit, wandering becomes a transforming pilgrimage, leading them to a condition of self-acceptance, belonging, and the profound healing they seek at the throne called home.

The crownless again shall be king.

—the subheading title comes from a poem by J. R. R. Tolkien in The Fellowship of The Ring.