Loneliness—the sense of being excluded, disconnected, or unseen—is not a rare experience. A pre-COVID 2020 study by Cigna showed that 61% of Americans identify as feeling lonely, and the prolonged pandemic reality has no doubt increased that percentage. Therefore this workshop is for anyone, whether single or married with a dozen kids, who has experienced or knows someone who has experienced loneliness and a longing for deeper connection—especially in the landscape of COVID-19. We will explore how to compassionately navigate the difficulty of being a people created with a deep ache for true connection while also living in a world where separation, isolation, and disconnection are sometimes an inevitable reality. This workshop will be experiential and meditative with an emphasis on paying attention to and honoring our bodies and our emotions. We will also hear from others in our community speak about how they have navigated the complexities of loneliness and connection during the pandemic, and give optional time at the end for breakout discussions and connections.

We are offering this workshop over Zoom, and you will receive the Zoom link by email the day before the event. The cruel irony of addressing the topic of loneliness over Zoom is not lost on us. But we do hope that we can leverage the redemptive aspects of technology to help folks be seen and feel connected, even as we cannot physically gather together.