Loneliness is an Epidemic

Loneliness is an epidemic in the United States, wrote Mother Theresa. She described us as living in one of the loneliest countries in the world. The former U.S. surgeon general, Dr. Vivek Murthy, said that loneliness is equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day in terms of your overall health. It's killing us.

Funny thing about loneliness. You can be lonely when you’re by yourself or in a group. For me, combating loneliness is about connections between souls. In this lovely active adult community where we live, we have a lot of friends and there is a plethora of things to do to meet new friends. But still I know people who feel alone.

One friend of mine lost her son to suicide. Another friend's longterm marriage ended in divorce. No matter how many groups we belong to or how many prayers we say, there is always a sense of grief and loneliness for them.

As a caretaker for my husband with dementia, there are definitely times of longing and yes, loneliness. I long for days when we could golf, ride motorcycle, travel and even just carry on a conversation. While I’m surrounded by friends, there’s nothing that can really close that gap. We still have love even if it can only be experienced as a gentle touch, caress of the face or holding hands. Nothing can take that love away. We are connected at the soul level. But still at times I am lonely.

When I feel lonely, I call a dear friend or sibling to chat or simply sit in my favorite spot in nature and pray or meditate. I pray for health and happiness. I say long prayers of gratitude. These moments seem to be healing for me. What about you? What do you do when the lion of loneliness strikes?

Blessings,

Cheryl