I really like what you wrote about tailored solutions for different communities and places. I grew up in a city and spent a lot of time in neighbouring Toronto. I've always known my neighbours and made a concerted effort to build connections with them. Ten years ago I moved quite a ways away to a rural farming community to live alone on a farm. I say alone, because for many years I was the only human in my house. But as I soon discovered, I was more connected and surrounded by friends - more than human friends - than I had ever experienced before. We can most certainly feel alone, but when we are living in connection with nature - even a city park - it's impossible to be alone. I would also say that my human neighbours, even though they are much farther away than when I lived in the city or suburbs, are much closer in connection. Rural communities I think know that we need each other in ways that suburban and city communities no longer recognize. So I wonder how much our disconnection from the natural world and our lack of reciprocity and care for our neighbours feed our feelings of aloneness? When I see you dancing in the Yukon wilderness, you always seem surrounded and enveloped by life.
Hello Tina, it's truly wonderful to hear from you. I must say, the magnificent four-legged companions residing on your farm left quite an impression on me. The opportunity to interact with and forge connections with these remarkable creatures was something special, and those cherished memories remain vivid in my mind to this day.
Now, addressing your thoughtful question about the root causes of modern isolation. I firmly believe that two fundamental factors contribute significantly to this phenomenon: our growing disconnection from the natural world and the diminishing sense of reciprocity and genuine care we show towards our neighbours, as you outlined. Nature, in its infinite wisdom and beauty, proves to be the most profound companion one could ask for. When we distance ourselves from it, an unmistakable emptiness begins to creep into our lives, affecting our overall well-being and sense of connection.
It's important to note that loneliness itself isn't inherently negative - it's our individual response to it that shapes its impact on our lives. This experience varies greatly from person to person: some people find perfect contentment in solitude, while others might experience profound feelings of isolation even when physically surrounded by fellow human beings. In my personal journey, while loneliness certainly made its presence known and I acknowledged its existence, I discovered that regular movement and physical activity served as a powerful counterforce. The dynamic nature of constant motion proved so effective that it prevented loneliness from gaining any significant foothold in my life.
Amazing article, Gurdeep! Well written. You were spot on about everything. I’ll share my personal experience on this.
I’m living alone for 13 years and never felt I was missing out. I enjoy my own company. My mom, however, is the opposite. When she visited me two winters ago, she struggled without her social circle from India. With no one to meet and fewer outdoor activities in winter, it was tough. But she focused on yoga and indoor walking, and I took her out on sunny days. By summer, she was in great health, walking on her own, and making friends at the park. Interestingly, people started recognizing me through her, saying they’d never seen me before…it was both funny and nice!
Now that she’s back, the struggle is still there but easier than before since her friends visit us, which helps. I really liked your point about solitude vs. social circles being a personal choice.
Thank you for your warm note, Manu! I'm delighted that you and your mother are making the most of this transition to new country. Indeed, these circumstances often lead to unexpected connections. I hope you're doing well.
You have a remarkable gift that you so freely share. ..Joy, cheerfulness, community.
I live on 80 acres in rural Maine where I don't even see my neighbor's lights at night. However, I know them all and we come together now and then. If I need help, they are here for me.
You, my world neighbor in the Yukon, visit me online most everyday with wisdom, dance and cheer thus we are connected. For all of this I am thankful.
I am touched by your words, "You, my world neighbor in the Yukon, visit me online most everyday with wisdom, dance and cheer thus we are connected." Thank you for this spirit connection.
I was my happiest when I experienced camaraderie with a group of others, except when I gave birth to a son. That was my very happiest! Camaraderie is the total opposite of loneliness.
I love all your perspectives on this. Living alone for me is great and I never feel lonely, but I also know it is not healthy to stay isolated even if it feels comfortable. So I make a conscious effort to engage with people daily, a valuable lesson I learned in COVID. Thank you for diving into this topic!
I’ve seen glimpse of your dancing and watched for a few minutes. But tonight I’m reading more throughly and this video of you and your friend dancing leaves me with a big smile. All she wanted was to dance with you. How honoured you must have felt. It was very important to her..she came all the way up to do this.
I will continue watching and Reading.
About living in isolation..it has become more appealing to me, I can see the peace, being attuned to nature. Allowing the calmness of mind, embracing stillness and feeling peaceful. I don’t know what it’s like to live like you do..but it must be rewarding.
I really like what you wrote about tailored solutions for different communities and places. I grew up in a city and spent a lot of time in neighbouring Toronto. I've always known my neighbours and made a concerted effort to build connections with them. Ten years ago I moved quite a ways away to a rural farming community to live alone on a farm. I say alone, because for many years I was the only human in my house. But as I soon discovered, I was more connected and surrounded by friends - more than human friends - than I had ever experienced before. We can most certainly feel alone, but when we are living in connection with nature - even a city park - it's impossible to be alone. I would also say that my human neighbours, even though they are much farther away than when I lived in the city or suburbs, are much closer in connection. Rural communities I think know that we need each other in ways that suburban and city communities no longer recognize. So I wonder how much our disconnection from the natural world and our lack of reciprocity and care for our neighbours feed our feelings of aloneness? When I see you dancing in the Yukon wilderness, you always seem surrounded and enveloped by life.
Hello Tina, it's truly wonderful to hear from you. I must say, the magnificent four-legged companions residing on your farm left quite an impression on me. The opportunity to interact with and forge connections with these remarkable creatures was something special, and those cherished memories remain vivid in my mind to this day.
Now, addressing your thoughtful question about the root causes of modern isolation. I firmly believe that two fundamental factors contribute significantly to this phenomenon: our growing disconnection from the natural world and the diminishing sense of reciprocity and genuine care we show towards our neighbours, as you outlined. Nature, in its infinite wisdom and beauty, proves to be the most profound companion one could ask for. When we distance ourselves from it, an unmistakable emptiness begins to creep into our lives, affecting our overall well-being and sense of connection.
It's important to note that loneliness itself isn't inherently negative - it's our individual response to it that shapes its impact on our lives. This experience varies greatly from person to person: some people find perfect contentment in solitude, while others might experience profound feelings of isolation even when physically surrounded by fellow human beings. In my personal journey, while loneliness certainly made its presence known and I acknowledged its existence, I discovered that regular movement and physical activity served as a powerful counterforce. The dynamic nature of constant motion proved so effective that it prevented loneliness from gaining any significant foothold in my life.
Amazing article, Gurdeep! Well written. You were spot on about everything. I’ll share my personal experience on this.
I’m living alone for 13 years and never felt I was missing out. I enjoy my own company. My mom, however, is the opposite. When she visited me two winters ago, she struggled without her social circle from India. With no one to meet and fewer outdoor activities in winter, it was tough. But she focused on yoga and indoor walking, and I took her out on sunny days. By summer, she was in great health, walking on her own, and making friends at the park. Interestingly, people started recognizing me through her, saying they’d never seen me before…it was both funny and nice!
Now that she’s back, the struggle is still there but easier than before since her friends visit us, which helps. I really liked your point about solitude vs. social circles being a personal choice.
Thank you for your warm note, Manu! I'm delighted that you and your mother are making the most of this transition to new country. Indeed, these circumstances often lead to unexpected connections. I hope you're doing well.
You have a remarkable gift that you so freely share. ..Joy, cheerfulness, community.
I live on 80 acres in rural Maine where I don't even see my neighbor's lights at night. However, I know them all and we come together now and then. If I need help, they are here for me.
You, my world neighbor in the Yukon, visit me online most everyday with wisdom, dance and cheer thus we are connected. For all of this I am thankful.
I am touched by your words, "You, my world neighbor in the Yukon, visit me online most everyday with wisdom, dance and cheer thus we are connected." Thank you for this spirit connection.
I was my happiest when I experienced camaraderie with a group of others, except when I gave birth to a son. That was my very happiest! Camaraderie is the total opposite of loneliness.
I agree, Sarina! camaraderie is the total opposite of loneliness.
I love all your perspectives on this. Living alone for me is great and I never feel lonely, but I also know it is not healthy to stay isolated even if it feels comfortable. So I make a conscious effort to engage with people daily, a valuable lesson I learned in COVID. Thank you for diving into this topic!
Thank you, Valerie, for your kind words. So wonderful that you make conscious efforts for your wellbeing.
Thank you for your post. You bring so much joy.
Thank you!
I’ve seen glimpse of your dancing and watched for a few minutes. But tonight I’m reading more throughly and this video of you and your friend dancing leaves me with a big smile. All she wanted was to dance with you. How honoured you must have felt. It was very important to her..she came all the way up to do this.
I will continue watching and Reading.
About living in isolation..it has become more appealing to me, I can see the peace, being attuned to nature. Allowing the calmness of mind, embracing stillness and feeling peaceful. I don’t know what it’s like to live like you do..but it must be rewarding.