JOYFUL PIECE #51
Breaking out of isolation...
Image by Doctorxgc, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.‡
Do you feel that these days of social media bubbles and fear-laden isolation make us miserable at times?
What can we do about it?
Could connecting with strangers help? Well, experts tell us that it is healthy to connect to strangers. What is being suggested is to reach out and chat with your cashiers at stores, the post office, your neighbors as you pass them on the street.
Could contact with people of different generations, races, political affiliations, etc., help us to better understand our social environment? Could those contacts help us understand people of diverse opinions? Could those encounters help us understand why we are being divided, driven apart in society?
Are you concerned about personal safety or being shunned? Well, while experimenting with this approach do stay alert and read the stranger’s demeanor, body language, and reaction to your initiative. They may have different values and priorities than you do; they may not want to be interrupted in their thoughts or in their use of their phone. It is important to carefully assess the environment and the person to whom you will reach out and to act accordingly.
It would be good to read the source for this post as it provides many more details on this research-based approach.
While apparently insignificant, it is reported that those contacts are in fact significant and enriching to your wellbeing— the exchanges bring enJOYment to both interacting persons.
Interesting thoughts as only. I have a friend who is becoming a self proclaimed isolationist as he ages. I have told him reaching out to others to talk/communicate may be great therapy and help him improve his outlook on life versus just see the world through what he sees on TV. I thought this might be an easy change for him but alas he shuts himself off from others and misses out on a lot of JOY in life.
My dad, an effervescent extrovert, naturally and effortlessly connected with strangers throughout his life and was a model for me to follow.
My mother was much more of an introvert and this was not easy or natural for her. Coming from a large family I have noticed that half of my siblings tend to be more like my dad and half more like my mom. As I have aged I appreciate my mom’s introversion more and more and enjoy time alone to just be, and to reflect. When I am in public I still enjoy connecting with people though.