Staying connected while we physically distance

Conversations and warnings about phone use and social media’s ability to actually leave us feeling lonely have been around for at least a decade now.  And for good reason— cell phones and constant access to other’s highlight reels can really mess with our sense of ourselves and reality.  Within that though, is something we also know— the way this technology allows us to connect, learn, express, empathize, and appreciate. Which is just as powerful!  and just as accessible as jealousy and loneliness, it seems.

This very blog, the access I have to clients across the country, the ways I share my gifts and resources, are part of that delicate balance.  The balance of using these tools and being careful and mindful of how easy it is for them to use me. 

In the last few weeks, my relationship with my phone and laptop has gradually but seriously shifted.  Being on my own, in the Utah desert, with fewer and fewer social contacts, I’ve turned to distraction and anxiety, “manufacturing certainty” (as Brene Brown calls it), and avoiding loneliness and sadness for myself and the human community.  There were moments when I felt down, mixed in with moments where I was so grateful to have open space, safety, and health.  To dilute those low moments, I would often turn to my phone or busy work.

I’m going to go ahead and guess I am not alone.  I am going to go ahead and call this a transition and, say it with me, transitions are hard.  Yes, this is a hard transition, indeed.

What resources do we have?  We have ourselves, to be sure.  And we have each other, in a physically distanced capacity.  Please remember, while we are keeping each other safe with physical distance, the “social distance” phrase comes from a time when these were the same.  Luckily, we have tools that we can use to keep us truly connected while we manage contagion.  We, then, have a choice in how we engage them.

With the resources you have, how can you use them to maintain connection – which all of us need like oxygen and calories? 

No, really, I’m asking.  I want to know, I want your ideas, your creativity, your feedback.  I want them for myself.  I want them for all of us who are grappling with this heavy transition and overwhelming uncertainty.  Please share, even (especially?) if you think its small.

Things that are working for me are phone calls to my favorite people, video and self-led yoga and meditation, and getting outside in fresh air.  Gratitude and mindfulness are also carrying me right now.

I will continue leading Meditation and Social-Medicine on Wednesdays at 4:30 pm PST/7:30 pm EST for as long as we are urged to practice physical distancing.  Last week we have 38 beautiful faces laughing, slowing, and sharing.  It was truly magical. 

You are always invited to join, donate if you can, and share when the spirit moves you.  Please forward that link to anyone who might want to hop in.  If we keep that going, we will continue to have a group of intersecting circles of friends and family— ingredients for a powerful, larger circle.

So much love, keep doing your best and I promise to do the same,

Blake