Hey everyone, my name is Austin and welcome back
to another episode of the unfiltered faith podcast
I'm thrilled to have you here if you're joining
me for the first time I want to personally welcome
you for tuning in if you're if you've been here
welcome back I'm so glad you're here To kick
things off let's address the elephant in the
room. What exactly is loneliness? It's more than
just feel being alone It's that painful feeling
of disconnect, of not feeling understood or valued.
It's that ache when you feel disconnected from
others, even when surrounded by people. It's
like being in a crowded room and still feeling
invisible. On the other hand, solitude is a choice.
It's the intentional act of stepping away from
the noise, the distractions, and the obligations
of daily life. Solitude... can be a powerful
tool for reflection, creativity, and self -discovery,
but too much solitude and you can fall into feelings
of isolation. I remember a time in my own life
when I battled with loneliness. It was when I
was in the hospital eight months ago. The first
few days were the easiest, but in the days that
followed is where I felt more and more isolated.
Yes, I had friends and family visiting me almost
every day, but the moment they left the room
and closed the door was incredibly isolating.
knowing that they were moving on with their everyday
lives and responsibilities while I was left behind
in that hospital room. I'm not sure if that's
selfish or not, but it's depressing to think
about that while your friends and family are
out going about their days while I sat alone
with my thoughts. It was a tough time and I felt
like I was missing out on life. I never even
opened the door or a window. I became depressed
and I was comfortable with it. That's the scary
part. Every day my nurses and techs encouraged
me to get out of bed, but I felt so comfortable
being alone that I didn't want to. I spent 14
of the 16 days I was in the hospital in my room,
and I don't think I got up once. But it was during
this period of loneliness that I stumbled upon
the beauty of solitude. In those last two days,
I spent reflecting. I decided to get out of bed
and take a stroll to the outside. I actually
heard God speaking to me, a voice I had not heard
in a long time. I think I was hustling with the
fact that I was in a transitional period of my
life and I didn't know how to cope with it. I
went from this fast -paced, constantly busy life
because of being a college student to sitting
alone in a hospital room for most hours of the
day. I believe that God was telling me to slow
down. So what changed for me? How did I turn
that loneliness into solitude? One of the biggest
shifts was adopting practices that had embraced
solitude rather than shying away from it. Like
I said, I was reflecting. I was reflecting on
different things. I couldn't tell you what it
was I was reflecting on, but it, but it worked
because I have a completely different mindset
on my current situation. I also started journaling.
At first it felt awkward. like talking to myself,
which is often deemed a little hit or strange,
right? But as I poured my thoughts into the page,
I began to understand myself. I discovered my
hopes, my fears, my dreams all laid out in front
of me. I came up with starting a podcast. Journaling
became a safe space for me. I could express my
feelings without judgment. I poured out my heart
about my loneliness. And in the next breath,
I reflected on my aspirations. It was cathartic.
I began to realize that my thoughts weren't just
for random musings. They were the threads that
wove together the fabric of my identity. Another
technique that I found immensely helpful was
meditation. Now, if you're like me, you might
have a preconceived notion that meditation is
simply sitting cross -legged, humming, and trying
not to think. But it's so much more than that.
Meditation taught me to be present and to observe
my thoughts without judgment. I have a playlist
and I read a book when I meditate. When I first
started, I struggled to quiet my mind. But over
time, I learned to embrace the noise. Instead
of running from my thoughts, I welcomed them.
I realized that in the stillness, I could confront
my feelings of loneliness and transform them
into moments of clarity. Each meditation session
became a journey inward. revealing layers of
my psyche I had never explored before. It's important
to acknowledge that everyone experiences loneliness
at some point in their lives. So if you're feeling
lonely right now, you're not alone. If you're
anything like me, envisioning a world without
social media may seem challenging. It's a tool
that keeps us connected with friends, allows
us to share our lives, and opens doors to people
from diverse backgrounds. The herapists have
identified several evidence -based strategies
to help manage those feelings of loneliness.
But let's break them down into actionable steps
that you can start implementing today. Step one,
acknowledge your feelings. The first step in
combating loneliness is to acknowledge and accept
those feelings. It's okay to feel lonely. Recognizing
that you're feeling this way is the first step
towards healing. Consider keeping a journal where
you can express these feelings. Writing can be
incredibly cathartic and help you process what
you're experiencing. Step number two, reach out.
Let's talk about connection. It might sound simple,
but reaching out to someone you trust can make
a huge difference. Whether it's a phone call,
a text, or a coffee date, making that connection
can provide the support you need. Remember, Vulnerability
is strength, and sharing your feelings with others
can forge deeper connections. Step number three,
engage in meaningful activities. Another evidence
-based strategy is to engage in activities that
bring you joy. What hobbies or interests spark
your passion? Find time to indulge in those,
whether it's painting, reading, or cooking. Doing
things you love can help. take your mind off
loneliness and foster a sense of fulfillment.
Now let's transition into a beautiful remedy
that can enhance these strategies. Spending time
in nature. Have you ever noticed how a walk in
a park or a hike in the woods can lift your spirits?
Well, there's science behind that. Research shows
that spending time outdoors can significantly
reduce feelings of loneliness and anxiety. Nature
has this incredible ability to ground us and
remind us of the beauty in life. Another way
to combat loneliness is through solo hiking.
While this may sound intimidating to some, it
can be incredibly freeing. Hiking alone allows
you to be in tune with your thoughts while enjoying
the beauty around you. Not sure where to start?
Look for local trails that suit your comfort
level. Bring a journal or a podcast to listen
to. Listen to this podcast and don't be afraid
to take breaks to soak in your surroundings Lastly,
let's talk about nature retreats If you're seeking
the deeper experience consider going on a weekend
retreat in nature These often offer structure
activities that promote mindfulness Relaxation
and social connection being surrounded by like
-minded individuals in a serene environment can
provide a unique opportunity to bond and share
experiences. I recently finished reading this
book called Terms of Service The Real Cost of
Social Media by Chris Martin. It's a fantastic
read. It goes into details about the history
of all these different social media platforms
and over time how the newest, latest, greatest
social media platform came up and so on. But
then the book goes into great detail on how it
negatively affects people's lives. Here are some
key takeaways. Number one, social media changes
how people think and feel. Social media can cause
people to believe that attention is valuable
and to trade privacy for expression. Social media
doesn't have any real value and the only reason
it has value is because we give it to it. Number
two, social media can be addictive. Social media
can be addictive and spending too much time on
it can lead to depression cyberbullying and social
anxiety number three Social media can be toxic
social media can be toxic and can use people
to and Can cause people to demonize and destroy
others number four social media can be used to
exploit people social media platforms can be
used to exploit users by engineering the platforms
to keep people scrolling and engaged and if you
don't know what i just said i'm talking about
algorithms number five social media can be used
to spread harmful content number six social media
can be used to spread misinformation a lot of
the time people post their side of the story
they don't post other side of the story People
will only post what they want you to see, not
what you need to see. But then the book goes
into great detail on how it positively affects
people's lives. Here are some key takeaways.
Number one, connecting with others. Social media
enables people to stay in touch with friends
and family across long distances, building new
relationships and building communities based
on shared interests. Number two, access to information.
Social media provides immediate access to news,
current events, and educational content from
around the world, allowing for rapid learning
and informed decision making. Number three, community
building. Platforms can facilitate and create
the mobilization of online communities around
important causes, enabling collective action
and advocacy. Number four, creative expression.
Social media allows individuals to showcase their
creativity through writing, photography, video,
and art with a global audience. Number five,
business opportunities provides businesses with
a powerful tool to reach customers, market products,
and build brand awareness at a relatively low
cost. And number six, personal development. Access
to online courses, tutorials, and learning platforms
can support personal growth, and skill development.
Solitude has a magical way of unlocking creativity.
When we allow ourselves to be alone with our
thoughts, we create space for inspiration to
flow. I discovered passion for podcasting. I
already loved reheating and writing, and I also
wanted to challenge myself to step out of my
comfort zone, to be an advocate for those that
don't feel like they have a voice. I have that
same voice, but just maybe a little louder. So
by doing this, I'm accomplishing multiple things
at once. So how can we start embracing solitude
in our own lives? Here are a few techniques that
might resonate with you. Number one, create a
solitude space. Designate a spot in your home
or a favorite outdoor area where you can retreat
to reflect and recharge. Make it cozy and inviting.
Number two, practice mindfulness. Set aside a
few minutes each day. to practice mindfulness,
whether it's through meditation or simply breathing
exercises. Focus on being present in the moment.
Number three, journaling. As I mentioned earlier,
journaling can be a powerful tool. Don't worry
about grammar or structure. Just let your thoughts
flow. Write about your day, your feelings, your
dreams, or even your worries. Number four, disconnect
from technology. In our hyper -connected world,
it's easy to get lost in the noise of social
media. and endless notifications. Set boundaries
for your screen time and allow yourself to be
alone with your thoughts. Number five, explore
nature. Nature has a unique way of grounding
us. Take a walk in the woods, sit by a lake,
or just gaze at the stars. Allow the beauty of
the natural world to inspire and rejuvenate you.
Solitude is a wonderful thing and beneficial
to our well -being. There are studies out there
that back this up. However, although alone time
can give us a positive morale on our wellbeing,
it's crucial to be mindful of when it veers into
unhealthy isolation. Embracing solitude doesn't
mean isolating yourself. It means taking time
to nurture your inner self. It's about finding
peace in the quiet moments and allowing those
moments to inspire and transform you. According
to a recent survey, By the Pew Research Review,
about 61 % of teens report feeling lonely even
while they are frequently using social media
platforms. And it's not just the younger generation
that's feeling this way. Loneliness is a growing
epidemic across all age groups. The same study
found that 40 % of adults aged 18 to 29 report
feeling lonely. while the 35 % of those aged
30 to 49 feel the same. These numbers are staggering
and they raise important questions. Are we truly
more connected or are we only connected on the
surface? Are we replacing meaningful face -to
-face interactions with superficial online engagements?
To explore this, let's think about how social
media impacts our relationships. We scroll through
created snapshots of other people's lives, which
often leads to comparisons. We might find ourselves
thinking, why don't I have that kind of life?
Or why don't I have as many friends? This comparison
game can leave us feeling inadequate and isolated.
What if I told you that there's a name to that?
What if I told you that the same tool that keeps
us connected with friends, allows us to share
our lives, and opens doors to people from diverse
backgrounds is the same tool that keeps us isolated,
left out, and lonely. You are not gonna believe
me when Hannah tell you this, but there's an
acronym for that. It's called FOMO, or the fear
of missing out, is the anxious feeling of being
left out of events, experiences, or information
that others are having. FOMO can lead to anxiety,
depression, low self -esteem, sleep issues, concentration
problems, and even social media addiction. I
purposefully didn't go on social media until
several days after I was already in the hospital
because I knew myself and I knew that looking
on social media would have just made my depression
worse. What if I told you that you can combat
feelings of FOMO with JOMO? JOMO, or the Joy
of Missing Out, is the feeling of contentment
with one's pursuit in activities. Jomo is living
life in the slow lane. So how are we supposed
to live life in the slow lane when we live in
a fast lane type of world? It's simple, really.
All you have to do is resist the fear, relax,
and enjoy not knowing what's going on. Seriously,
Austin, you're telling me that all I have to
do to combat feelings of loneliness is resist
my fear of missing out. relax and enjoy not knowing
what's going on well it's easier said than done
i realize that but you have to start somewhere
there's also this phenomenon of social media
fatigue we are bombarded with notifications and
updates and it can be overwhelming sometimes
it feels like we're never off the clock always
on and expected to respond immediately the pressure
to maintain an online persona can also become
exhausting, leading to burnout. A lot of people
have adopted the idea that staying busy will
distract your mind from feeling lonely. And although
that might work for a short while, eventually
you're going to run out of things to keep you
busy, and you'll find yourself back to square
one. Now let's take a moment to reflect on how
these feelings of loneliness can affect our faith.
As people of faith, we often seek community and
connection. And that's something social media
can provide in small doses. However, when those
connections are primarily online, they can lack
the depth and authenticity that comes from in
-person interactions. The Bible speaks about
the importance of community and fellowship. In
Hebrews 10, 24, we're encouraged to consider
how we may spur one another on towards love and
good deeds, not giving up and heating together.
But how can we effectively meet together when
we're lost in this world? Now let's focus on
the older generations for the moment. According
to a study by the AARP, nearly 50 % of adults
aged from 50 and older report feeling well -meaning.
This is particularly concerning considering that
social media is often avoided as a way to bridge
generational gaps. Yet many older adults find
it challenging to navigate these platforms, leading
to feelings of isolation rather than connection.
So what can we do about this? How can we leverage
technology to foster genuine connections rather
than the superficial ones? Well, number one,
let's talk about intentionality. It's essential
to approach social media with purpose. Instead
of mindlessly scrolling or doom scrolling, we
can set aside specific times for social media
use and then engage in meaningful interactions.
Consider reaching out to someone you haven't
spoken to in a while or joining a faith -based
online group that aligns with your values. Number
two, let's remember the importance of balance.
While social media can be a tool for connection,
it shouldn't be our only means of communication.
Make an effort to meet up with friends, attend
community events, or even join a local church
group. These real -life connections are vital
for our mental and spiritual well -being. Number
three. Let's now forget the power of vulnerability.
When we share our struggles, it allows others
to open up as well. Social media can sometimes
create an illusion that everyone else has it
all together, leading to feelings of inadequacy.
By being authentic and sharing our true selves,
we can create a safe space for others to do the
same. And number four, let's take a step back
and evaluate our social media conception. Are
the platforms worth using uplifting or do they
leave us feeling drained? Curate your online
experience by following accounts that inspire
and uplift you. It's okay to unfollow or mute
accounts that contribute to feelings of loneliness
or negativity. Now, solitude can be increasingly
enriching. It offers us a chance to reflect,
recharge, and connect with our inner selves.
However, it can also become unhealthy if we don't
keep an eye on how we're feeling during those
solo moments. Let's unpack that for a bit. First,
let's talk about what signs might indicate that
alone time is turning into isolation. One of
the primary signs is when solitude begins to
feel more like loneliness. If you find yourself
frequently feeling sad, anxious, or disconnected
during your alone time, it might be worth exploring
those feelings. Another indicator is the frequency
of your solitary moments. If you're constantly
choosing to be alone over engaging with friends,
family, and your community, it might be time
to reassess. Balance is key. It's perfectly fine
to enjoy your own company, but if it becomes
a habit to decline invitations or avoid social
interactions, you may be isolating yourself more
than you realize. Also consider how you're spending
your alone time. Are you engaging in activities
that nurture your spirit and creativity? Are
you finding yourself scrolling through social
media, binge -watching shows, or just mindlessly
passing the time. If your alone time is filled
with things that don't bring you joy or fulfillment,
it might be a red flag that you're slipping into
unhealthy isolation. So how can we create a healthy
relationship with solitude while avoiding the
pitfalls of isolation? Here are a few tips to
consider. Set intentions. Before you spend time
alone, ask yourself what you hope to gain from
that time. Do you want to relax, reflect, create,
or simply recharge? Setting a clear intention
can help guide your solitary moments towards
something meaningful. Number two, engage in creative
activities. Whether it's writing, painting, gardening,
or playing music, engaging in creative endeavors
can transform alone time into a productive and
unique means. fulfilling experience remember
creativity often flourishes in solitude number
three practice mindfulness use your alone time
to practice mindfulness or meditation being present
in the moment can help you connect with your
thoughts and emotions making solitude a more
enriching experience number four stay connected
just because you're spending time alone doesn't
mean you have to cut off connections with others
make an effort to reach out to friends or family
even if it's just a quick text or a phone call.
Maintaining those relationships can help prevent
feelings of isolation. Number five, monitor your
mood. Pay attention to how you feel during and
after your alone time. If you find that it consistently
leaves you feeling down or anxious, it might
be time to reassess how you're spending that
time or seek support. So as you navigate your
relationships with solitude, remember to strike
a balance. embrace the moments of quiet reflection,
but also reach out and connect behind activities
that inspire you and nurture your spirit. After
all, we're all in this together. And while solitude
can be a beautiful journey, it's important to
ensure that it doesn't lead us into the shadows
of isolation. Before we wrap up, I'd like to
encourage you to take a small action today. It
could be something as simple as taking a walk
in the park, reaching out to a friend, or jotting
down your thoughts in the journal. The goal is
to do something that fosters a connection with
yourself or someone else. Simultaneously, I want
to emphasize the importance of embracing moments
of solitude. It's completely normal to experience
feelings of loneliness as part of the human experience.
I encourage you to seek solitude as an opportunity
for self -discovery, pursuing your interests
and nurturing your creativity. I invite you to
take a moment to reflect on how your social media
usage affects your sense of connection and feelings
of loneliness. Consider the steps you can take
to cultivate deeper relationships, both alone,
online and in person. While technology can facilitate
connections, it's our genuine relationships that
truly nourish our spirit. If you liked today's
discussion, I would greatly appreciate it. if
you could share it with your friends or leave
a review. Your support truly means a lot. Until
next time, stay connected, stay authentic, and
always remember that you are never alone.