How to Feel Social Connection Even While Alone
A Quick Meditation to Relieve Loneliness
You exist in relation to others. That's how humanity evolved — in close-knit tribes over eons. No wonder gloominess begins to creep in after time apart.
I have found the longer I spend alone the more my sense of self starts to become coloured by my isolated thoughts. It becomes hard to see myself through the eyes of others when I can’t see their eyes.
While the best solution is undoubtedly to go see some people, it’s not always possible. Schedules don’t always overlap, and it’s not always practical.
Whenever I feel like I’m beginning to loathe myself, when I feel isolation impinging on my happiness, I take 10 minutes to do this therapeutic practice.
A quick contemplation to reinject some joy
Take a comfortable seat and close your eyes. Relax and breathe calmly.
Now bring to mind a recent pleasant encounter with a friend. Someone who’s always happy to see you. Someone you have an uncomplicated relationship with.
Imagine being in the company of this person. Visualise the joyous interaction.
Feel the sense of gratitude for this person growing inside you, like a ray of sunshine, and gently amplify the signal.
Switch to another friend and continue in this way for as long as you want.
Soak in the positive emotion. Then go about your day.
Notice the improvement in your mood?
To the mind, this is almost as good as the real thing. And what I've found is it has the ability to raise your baseline level of happiness substantially. To tide you over until you can joke around with others in person again.
It reminds you that you have friends. That you’re not alone for long, that there are people who know you and love you and enjoy spending time with you.
Your tribe hasn’t abandoned you. They’re still there, waiting for your return.
