There is a epidemic of lonliness in the USA why is this?
With cell phones, the internet? I'm wondering, are those two things indeed the exact problem?
This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »
MasterofNone · 26-30, M
Two things have happened simultaneously. Advent of internet and cell phones and an increase in individualistic lifestyle. Can't say both are related but the latter is a bigger reason (lack of proper family structure). But it's a good thing. We are in a stage between traditional family structures and enlightened individuals and are having difficulty transitioning. We want to have a productive life with everything according to how we want things to be without any compromise but still want other people to be in it. In traditional family structures, there had to be some compromises on the part of every individual.
Also,....
From what little I have seen of USA, the environment had a lonely feeling to it. The towns and cities are extremely big compared to the number of people that live in it. Now I am a loner and rarely talk to anyone IRL but if you are in a land where people are found mostly in cars and buildings and rarely on streets (with the exception of really busy streets) and where you hear sounds of transportation systems and other machines more than people or nature, you are going to get a bit of a lonely vibe.
Population density doesn't need to be more. Even if you are in a jungle alone you feel connection somehow because of all the life you see around you but empty big concrete structures can give a sense of loneliness.
So internet and cell phones and people glued to them could be just a symptom of loneliness or a small part of the reason. But overall I don't want things to go back but we could be moving towards a better but different future where all individual lives are expressed fully and yet there's no loneliness and no friction between different individuals.
Also,....
From what little I have seen of USA, the environment had a lonely feeling to it. The towns and cities are extremely big compared to the number of people that live in it. Now I am a loner and rarely talk to anyone IRL but if you are in a land where people are found mostly in cars and buildings and rarely on streets (with the exception of really busy streets) and where you hear sounds of transportation systems and other machines more than people or nature, you are going to get a bit of a lonely vibe.
Population density doesn't need to be more. Even if you are in a jungle alone you feel connection somehow because of all the life you see around you but empty big concrete structures can give a sense of loneliness.
So internet and cell phones and people glued to them could be just a symptom of loneliness or a small part of the reason. But overall I don't want things to go back but we could be moving towards a better but different future where all individual lives are expressed fully and yet there's no loneliness and no friction between different individuals.
Grateful4you · M
@MasterofNone I am humbled by so many insightful observations on so many different levels. This one comment alone made the effort worthwhile. A lot of food for thought. Thank you so much.
MasterofNone · 26-30, M
@Grateful4you Thank you for the question ! A deep question brings out a deep answer. Wouldn't have thought about this if the question wasn't asked.
I have to add one thing.
I think one good solution would be if people were out more and traveled mostly on foot. This is how humans lived for tens of thousands of years and are wired to live that way, probably unless of course there's a time bound, in that case you need some form of transportation.
Uhm, of course this is applicable when there's no pandemic
I have to add one thing.
I think one good solution would be if people were out more and traveled mostly on foot. This is how humans lived for tens of thousands of years and are wired to live that way, probably unless of course there's a time bound, in that case you need some form of transportation.
Uhm, of course this is applicable when there's no pandemic
Grateful4you · M
@MasterofNone Hiking has always been grounding for me. Keeps me intact mentally, aware of the real important parts of my life, the earth, the plants, animals, there can be no stress or anxiety, no loneliness when connected to nature. Everywhere are incredible things to find. You cannot imagine what I have collected over the years. Things that pre-date the Jurassic period. These are the things along with making folks happy that make my life worthwhile. My cats also contribute much to my mental well being. I NEED animals in my life. They are my treasures.
MasterofNone · 26-30, M
@Grateful4you Beautiful ! Amazing ! I am fascinated by the collections you're talking about. I have a fascination with these things myself. I dream of doing something along the lines of this often.
And hiking is one of my favorite activities.
And hiking is one of my favorite activities.
Grateful4you · M
@MasterofNone Do you live in the USA? If so, I have a secret place I rarely share.
MasterofNone · 26-30, M
@Grateful4you No, I don't.:) I have gone there once. Could visit again. I'd remember to ask you about the place when I do. It's exciting.:D
Grateful4you · M
@MasterofNone If you do get the chance just PM me, I'll tell you where the Pre-Jurassic fossils are. Some areas are restricted this one isn't and not well known.
MasterofNone · 26-30, M
@Grateful4you Woah! That's amazing. I sure would. But most importantly, I'd ask you the various techniques you have learnt that might've helped you in finding this site.
Grateful4you · M
@MasterofNone Unfortunately, not something one can teach. A Sioux Shaman told me, "Feel the earth under your feet and listen" Everyone can expand the gift of intuition, you just need to have confidence, Even my dad said, "David, listen to the rocks, they have stories to tell" I have come to the point where I trust fully that what I seek will be revealed, not through mankind but the good earth. We as a species have become deaf and dumb to our surroundings.
MasterofNone · 26-30, M
@Grateful4you Absolutely amazing ! Very wise! I totally agree with this and I do try to listen what everything around us has to tell beyond words and I find that pretty much everything in the environment interacts with us all the time.
Grateful4you · M
@MasterofNone Not so sure about "Wisdom" If empathy and intuition are partners to wisdom perhaps I've been gifted a small dose over the years. Remember, always celebrate the "Crazy lady on the bus" she has a message for you of importance. The most pedestrian, down-trodden folks are the ones I celebrate and look for.