Life is full of twists and turns, and sometimes, it can feel like we’re navigating it all alone. Most of my greatest moments with friends have been meaningful conversations over tea or coffee. We attempt to solve every issue in our lives, kindly judging ourselves for the wrong turns we might have taken and laughing about it. Women, in particular, need this type of deep bonding to overcome life’s obstacles. True friendship is a spiritual practice. It not only keeps you dedicated and devoted to one another but grounds you as well.
Women have a unique ability to create a safe space for each other—one where the other person can grow, heal, and lean on her in times of need. This kind of space enhances the self-confidence that one might lack, allowing her to feel loved by another human being.
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel isolated, even when surrounded by people. This sense of loneliness can quietly lead to depression, anxiety, and a growing sense of disconnection from the world around us. We don’t just feel it in our hearts, but in every organ of our body. When loneliness spreads throughout our physical system, every cell senses the uncertainty of not being loved or being ignored. Our stress levels rise, and over time, chronic aches and pains surface like termites quietly eating away at the foundation of our well-being.
Our foundation weakens when this powerful connection is nowhere to be found. We are naturally wired to nurture and connect, and when we surround ourselves with like-minded souls, we create a web of love and support that strengthens our mental, emotional, and even physical health. When we share our stories with others, we feel heard. This act of release lightens us and brings joy, creating room for healing.
The importance of celebrating each victory in our lives with a good friend cannot be overstated—it opens up more opportunities for success in the future. How many times have you thought about calling someone dear to you to share good news? How often have you planned birthday gatherings to celebrate yourself or another? All these gatherings, for one reason or another, remind us that we are here to share life experiences and feel stronger as beings.
The act of sharing life with others creates a sense of belonging, which is vital for maintaining balance in our minds and hearts. Feeling understood and supported can make all the difference in how we view the world and ourselves. Friendships nourish us. Whether we connect with old friends from college or new people in our new town, we crave connection. The more people we interact with, the more our emotional hearts open to love.
With all the advances in technology, it might seem that we should be able to connect more easily, but it doesn’t always feel that way. We’re getting further from one-on-one visits with friends. Talking on the phone or texting may suffice for a while, but being in each other’s presence—feeling the joy of a friend and hearing her laughter as you share a funny story—is a whole different experience. Offering a treat to your friend or sharing your culinary talent with her is a gift that technology cannot replace. While video calls and images on a screen are perfect for distant relatives and friends, for those close by, we should make the time to visit and maybe even exchange a hug to show our love.
Today, I watched my two-year-old granddaughter saying hello to everyone and approaching others on the playground. This teaches us to pick up the phone and reach out to a friend, to say hello to a neighbor and exchange a few sentences, or to invite friends to a small gathering. Show up to gatherings and step out of your self-made cave to feel connected and grounded once again.
Don’t let loneliness become another chronic issue in your life. We all have something to share with others that they, too, are seeking.
Nameste,
Shab.
