As humans, connection is the key to our contentment, happiness, sense of value, sense of belonging. Without it we’re floundering; chasing the next source of approval or self-worth or self-gratification. With a thoughtful note, a quick call, or simple email you can tell someone near or far that they matter. As the saying goes, it’s the little things that mean the most. It’s a simple sentiment with the power to encourage, uplift, and vanquish loneliness.
Loneliness is one of the greatest threats to our sense of well-being, affecting our health through our behaviors on social media, food consumption, and the like. One study suggests that nearly two-thirds of all people—regardless of age or gender—feel lonely at least some of the time. One British supermarket has created “talking tables” in their store cafés as a way to foster connections between people. Those looking for human interaction simply seat themselves at a table designated for that purpose, joining others or indicating a desire to be joined. Conversation ensues, providing a sense of connection and community.
Just another example of how simple and how powerful our efforts to “Do More” can be. See our article below for even more ways to Do More:
Personally I never “feel” loneliness, perhaps because I have so many interests and the possibility granted me by God to exercise them.
However, I understand very well how much solitude can be harmful to the well-being and need of many, especially in old age, to encounter a human relationship in order to feel good.
Certainly communicating is an essential aspect of anyone’s life. By the way, it’s not only what we say that counts, but also how we do it. In addition to what we say, in fact, everything we don’t say, intonation (prosody) and body language is just as important. Interpersonal relationships have the power to enrich our life experience. Creating emotional connections with others, feeling appreciated, being able to maintain special relationships, etc. All these situations are only a part of what makes our existence a positive experience.
On the other hand, what is a human being if not a subject who dialogues?
The content available to all on the platform is miraculously uplifting.
The empathy, the kindness, the creativity in spreading awareness of the importance of #weareone envelopes me with HOPE!
Thank you, Dennis and to everyone who has shared their insights as to how to take care of each other and take care of ourselves, as well💖
Our pleasure, Lesley – grateful for your kind words!
Thank you, Dennis, for yet another very meaningful message.
I have personally engaged with very many people who find themselves entrapped with the phenomenon called “loneliness”, also through circumstances beyond their immediate control, ravages of natural calamities, wars etc. Communicating with them with empathy creates a live connection.
I would also like to add that there is a marked difference between LONELINESS vs ALONENESS.
Loneliness can be overcome ..by reaching out and connecting with someone.
The following is information gleaned from a book I read some years ago, by one Mr. Krishnamurthi. In a nutshell he explains that we must be aware and see the difference between loneliness and aloneness. Most of us are lonely. We may be in a crowd, with our family and friends, or walking by ourselves, and we suddenly have this extraordinary sense of isolation, suddenly cut off from everything, having no relationship with anything. That isolation is essentially a state of fear, and from that fear we do all kinds of things eg. Listen to some music, drink, escape, including the pursuit of God, and all the rest of it. And out of that loneliness, every action and reaction take place. That loneliness is entirely different from aloneness.
Aloneness is complete freedom from the known.
“Loneliness is the result of influence and oneself being so malleable, easily shaped. But aloneness is not the result of any influence. It is complete freedom from all influence: the influence of your wife or husband, of what you read, of the church and tradition, of your unconscious demands – being completely free of all that. In that freedom there is an aloneness. That aloneness is complete freedom from the known. Then there is a sense of learning, which comes when we understand the total process of life. That learning demands discipline. Not the discipline of the church or army, scholar or athlete, not that of the specialist who is pursuing certain knowledge, but that discipline which comes out of a deep sense of humility. And there cannot be humility if there is no aloneness.”
Grateful for your wisdom – and wisdom of experience shared here, Jonathan … Thank you!
Beautifully written & as said: connection is vital! On a webinar yesterday and we discussed effects of covid etc. My comment as to what I was missing WAS connection. At home I cater to elderly and have many friends of all kinds and status plus I have a large family. I take time to meet with the lonely… younger girls and older mostly and entertain some in my home. I like to bring joy. But for 4 months, though in a beautiful place; I find I am missing my connections; my normality. My daughters skpe & that s wonderful. I must say however; Covid has had an impact on me being immune compromised, on B.P. pills, & over 60, I dare not go far.
But let’s put me aside I think you can tell by the comments on this post where people are at. It’s thankful thursday and I am thankful for wonderful folks like yourself. I love reading as many posts of BIZ as I can. Thx again Dennis* Loree
This is so timely, Dennis, given that we’re hit with the double whammy of Covid-19 and isolation. Thank goodness for this platform that encourages us to connect with others so that we can push past the loneliness and isolation and realize that even though we may feel as if we are, we’re not alone. Thanks for sharing.
Always grateful for your kind words, Sherry. “It’s amazing just how much weight can be moved with all of us pulling together.”
Loneliness is a killer… I’m so grateful to you all here and that we are all trying to make a difference. With today’s technology and aware
Ness on the prowl.. we can make a difference.. one keystroke, note, call, …at a time. Everyday we save more souls when we invest in others and increase their value!
Thank you Dennis.
This is a passion in me and reaching the hearts of others is a human connection is the foundation of my why.
Well said, Paula. Just one small act of kindness to convey to those who are lonely or simply alone can have such a positive impact on their well-being… Thank you!
So true, Dennis! I’ve done a lot of work on loneliness, and it doesn’t just impact us emotionally Research shows that it is as devastating to our physical health as smoking and obesity. For so many reasons, the Friendship Bench and the HumansFirst movement is so valuable to foster connection, purpose, and contribution to those among us.
Amen to that, Melissa Hughes, Ph.D. And even more important in the midst of such world chaos right now… “The loneliest moment in someone’s life is when they are watching their whole world fall apart, and all they can do is stare blankly.” … Time for us all to simply do more…
I could not agree with more, Dennis. I believe, especially in older adults, it the driving force for suicide. Purpose and connection are vital toward warding this off. Thank you for this.💖
Indeed – one of those unfortunate “under the radar” epidemics, Darlene – and one that we can each do so much more, with so little effort. Appreciate your perspective.
I’m grateful that this platform gives me the opportunity to connect with so many wonderful people, like YOU, Dennis! Thank you for your commitment to fostering connection. Goodness knows the world needs it!
Grateful for your kind words, Kimberly – and indeed, for your support today and every day…