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Overcoming Loneliness in a Disconnected World

18 min • 23 december 2024

A quick update that early registration is now open for Thom's upcoming annual retreat in Sedona, Arizona, this Memorial Day weekend from May 22nd to 26.

This is Thom's first retreat in the United States since the epic Maha Kumbha Mela held earlier this year in Prayagraj, India, so Thom has many fascinating new stories to share. The Sedona Rounding Retreat is also your opportunity to gift yourself profound rest and industrial-strength meditation through the daily rounding program.

This is your chance to transcend uncertainty in the ever-changing world and celebrate spring surrounded by nature, supported by community, and immersed in wisdom with Thom. Early registration discounts expire on March 17th, and you can find out more at thomknoles.com/sedona.

Jai Guru Deva.

There are more humans on the planet today than ever before, and we have more ways of connecting with each other than ever before, yet loneliness has reached epidemic proportions.

The World Health Organization (WHO) launched an international commission on the problem last year, reporting that the health risks from loneliness are as bad as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day and are even greater than those associated with obesity and physical inactivity.

The US Surgeon-General released a report on Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation, reporting that even in the years prior to Covid lockdowns, about one-in-two adults in America reported experiencing loneliness. And Japan, one of the most densely populated countries in the world, even has a minister in charge of measures for loneliness and isolation.

Thom outlines some solutions to loneliness in this podcast episode, reminding us that connectivity and connection are very different things, and that, ultimately, it’s our job to make ourselves socially relevant.

Thom also outlines an advantage that Vedic meditators have, making it possible to be alone while still enjoying rich company.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Pheromone Clouds

[02:50] Adaptive Mechanisms

[05:36] Enriching Our Presence Through Vedic Meditation

[07:03] Stepping Out of the Illusion of Loneliness

[08:56] Social Chocolate

[11:36] Sociological Exercise

[13:16] Social Relevance

[14:28] Human Interaction - Surgeon General Recommended

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