Shame loves isolation; it’s a place where we let ourselves be convinced of our “badness.” This myth quickly dissolves when we’re with people who respect us and when we’re able to express ourselves openly.
Somatic illness also depends on isolation and we notice that joyful states of mind will halt physical pain. There is now much research showing the healthy effects of positive interaction and the healing power of meaningful connection: with humans, nature, animals, art.
If we’re suffering we need not be alone though that is what our thoughts may be telling us we need. We can experiment with this if we have a tendency to isolate by exploring new ways of connecting socially. This may mean spending time with someone one-on-one or participating in a group activity.
If we struggle with the habit of isolation it may be something we learned early on from our family. They may have had their own reasons for behaving this way. These patterns no longer have to define us. We can take matters into our own hands and craft something entirely new.
Ending isolation is really about re-discovering our own humanity, taking risks. This change begins in our mind and can start with a simple question: What’s one thing I can do differently today to increase my happiness? Write it down, tell another person, follow through.