Oops…we did it again

Brett and I hosted our 2nd Conversation on Loneliness a couple of weeks ago. And like the first one, folks showed up honest and curious. The theme was Layers of Loneliness and after taking some time to tease out the differences between loneliness, aloneness, and isolation, we explored 3 “big buckets” of how loneliness can show up: 

EXISTENTIAL The loneliness of being human—knowing that no one else can fully experience life the way you do. This is the loneliness of big questions about meaning, purpose, and mortality that you ultimately face alone.

SOCIAL The loneliness of feeling disconnected from others—when you're unseen, misunderstood, or don't belong. This is the gap between the connection you long for and the connection you actually have.

EMBODIED The loneliness of living in your body—feeling disconnected from your physical self, emotional body, or isolated because of how your body feels. This includes chronic pain, aging, disability, or simply feeling like you don't recognize yourself.

And then we really got into it as folks shared the different intersectionalities where they do and do not experience loneliness. This is where the magic happens. Connection, curiosity, and people making a personal commitment to themselves around an action (or inaction) that would move them closer to belonging and connection. 

Perhaps you’ll consider your own layers and ideas for experimenting with connection (to self, or others). We know that one of the ways would be to join us for our next Conversation where we’ll talk about The Myths of Loneliness. 

What are the stories we tell ourselves and how might we rewrite them?

In connection, 

Beth and Brett, Your Loneliness Lab Hosts