Hi,
Welcome back to my Dealing with Loneliness mini-series for Insight Timer.
In session one we wrote down the people in our lives that we know and how we may have impacted their lives.
That helped us remember our worth,
Our place here on this planet we call Earth.
In this session we attempt to bridge the mental gap between us and other beings.
The feeling of disconnection is the seed of loneliness.
But there is a very simple exercise we can try that can help us feel connected.
This would work best if you're in a public place,
On a train,
In the park or on a walk.
If you're a little too remote for that I encourage you to close down the eyes and visualize the last time you were in a public place.
If it's somewhere public and you're ready,
Keep the eyes open,
Relax the shoulders and the breathing.
Notice the temperature on your skin.
Tune in.
Now begin witnessing the passers-by as they go about their day.
Then settle on one person for a moment.
This can be anyone but maybe make sure they can't see you looking.
Then in your mind I want you to repeat the following phrase.
Just like me.
Just like me.
And then adding on.
Just like me,
This person feels lonely.
Just like me,
This person desires love.
Just like me,
This person seeks comfort.
Just like me,
This person suffers.
Whatever you can think of.
Remembering that no matter how deep or dark our emotions are,
We share that with all of humankind.
As people drift in and out of your eye line,
Going from person to person.
Just like me,
That person gets angry.
Just like me,
That person self-medicates from time to time.
Just like me,
This person yearns for touch.
Just like me,
This person experiences heartache.
Just like me,
This person enjoys a warm day.
Just like me,
This person requires connection.
Showing compassion for others is a great way to pull ourselves out of our volatile mental habits.
And it truly grounds us.
Connection and self-love are the antidote to loneliness.
And marvellously we can cultivate connection directly in times where you may not be able to have physical contact with people.
Using both of these exercises we've discussed in this mini-series for dealing with loneliness.
It'll help you realise that you are not alone.
We are all intrinsically connected.
My name is Sophia,
Sending you unconditional love and gratitude for listening to this talk.
You mean a lot to me.
Thank you.
