Loneliness: Longing to Be Known

Have you ever felt lonely in a room full of people?

Our lives are full of interactions: messages, meetings, group chats, weekend plans. But somehow, closeness still feels out of reach. We scroll through social media posts but don't feel caught up. We speak, but don't feel heard. We're surrounded by people... and yet, deeply alone.

Loneliness isn't always about a lack of company. Sometimes, it's the quiet ache of feeling invisible. Of drifting from friends we once trusted. Of being estranged from family, or out of step with our community. Of wondering why the connection that seems to come easily to others doesn't include us. Of editing ourselves to fit in, and still feeling like we don't belong.

What is our loneliness trying to tell us—both individually and collectively? Is it evidence of a personal or societal failure, as our inner critic so often claims? Or is it a compass, pointing us toward the kind of connection we're actually longing for?

In this week's Connection Circle, we'll explore the psychology of disconnection—how it forms, what it protects, and what it might be asking of us. We'll reflect on the quiet courage it takes to reach for closeness, and how self-acceptance expands our capacity to connect. Together, we'll consider how to make space for our own authentic experience—and how that makes space for others', too.

This conversation will leave space for questions like:

• How do we distinguish between solitude that nourishes and loneliness that wounds?
• What societal forces contribute to loneliness, and how do they shape our expectations of connection?
• Can we belong without being known?
• When have you felt truly seen and what made that moment possible?

Whether you have felt the ache of disconnection or are simply curious about what it means to belong, you're warmly invited to join us.

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Important Note:
Connection Circle is a space for meaningful conversation and shared reflection. While we often explore topics that touch on psychology, emotion and personal experience, this group is not a form of therapy or mental health support. There are no therapists or mental health professionals involved in organizing or facilitating the group. If you're in need of psychological care, please seek support from a qualified mental health professional.