A Pandemic of Loneliness?

Were the lockdowns at the beginning of the SARS2 pandemic to blame for our increased feelings of loneliness and isolation? A collective, traumatic shock to all of us all over the world when a novel virus was circulating and the doctors and scientists needed time to understand what exactly was happening. And here we are, 4 years on, lockdowns a distant memory and yet the feelings of isolation and loneliness remain, perhaps even stronger. So, I wonder, could the answer to our continued feelings of isolation and loneliness lie deeper than the lockdowns? I mean, technology allows us to be more connected than ever - Facetime, Facebook, Instagram, Zoom all of these convenient ways of connecting – seeing a loved ones face across oceans and time zones, amassing hundreds, thousands, sometimes millions of friends and followers - and yet we still feel isolated and alone. Perhaps the answer lies simply within. How connected are we to ourselves? I realize this is a simple question that requires courage and curiosity to answer. But what if it was that simple? What if all of our answers were that simple. Not easy, mind you, but simple. What if, turning inward in order to connect more authentically outward was the answer. I ask this as if I don’t know, but I do. I know that when we cultivate a genuine relationship with ourselves, all parts of our being, we are better able to stay present and connect more genuinely and authentically with others. It is this presence within our own selves that allow for us to be present with others, no matter how near or far. And it is presence that allows us to not feel alone because we know, at the core, we are all connected and therefore never really alone. So, I invite you to dig deep, with courage, curiosity and compassion to befriend yourself – the longest relationship you will ever have. And as you fall back in love with your own self, you will not feel so isolated and alone. And your inherent love, worth and presence will ripple out to others, offering them the courage to do the same.