Lori, I love how you are helping us become more psychologically flexible about solitude and community because what we want isn't always available to us. I'm in a phase where I am establishing a more contemplative life. However, my community needs are met by talking to my sister daily and visiting with my best friends once a week. That's a good balance for me. But since everything changes, it's valuable to bear in mind your suggestions about flexibility.
Thank you for reminding us to be kind to ourselves, Lori. It's so easy to get caught up in self-criticism when things aren't going the way we want. Your words are a gentle reminder that we all deserve compassion, especially during challenging times.
"When I’m feeling sluggish and that leaves me feeling lonely, I try to identify what I can do to increase my level of stimulation without tipping into overstimulation and overwhelm. That balancing act can be the bane of a sensitive person’s existence, so I like to start with doing something small to change my physical experience: sit on the other end of the couch, move to a different room, go outside, hold and drink a hot cup of coffee (or an iced drink in the summer), or other small steps to see if I can gradually increase my stimulation level. As I can tolerate it, I increase my activity level until I feel less in need of other people to shift my energy or mood." I'll be thinking about this - appreciate the practicality of it. As someone who works from home, usually in one of two locations, just moving somewhere where I haven't already been sitting for hours can make a big difference! I also never regret going outdoors, although it'll be harder in the coming months...
I’ve talked about and wrestled with my seemingly opposing needs for solitude and community. Now, rather than seeing them as opposites, I see them as dance partners.
Lori, I love how you are helping us become more psychologically flexible about solitude and community because what we want isn't always available to us. I'm in a phase where I am establishing a more contemplative life. However, my community needs are met by talking to my sister daily and visiting with my best friends once a week. That's a good balance for me. But since everything changes, it's valuable to bear in mind your suggestions about flexibility.
Thank you for reminding us to be kind to ourselves, Lori. It's so easy to get caught up in self-criticism when things aren't going the way we want. Your words are a gentle reminder that we all deserve compassion, especially during challenging times.
"When I’m feeling sluggish and that leaves me feeling lonely, I try to identify what I can do to increase my level of stimulation without tipping into overstimulation and overwhelm. That balancing act can be the bane of a sensitive person’s existence, so I like to start with doing something small to change my physical experience: sit on the other end of the couch, move to a different room, go outside, hold and drink a hot cup of coffee (or an iced drink in the summer), or other small steps to see if I can gradually increase my stimulation level. As I can tolerate it, I increase my activity level until I feel less in need of other people to shift my energy or mood." I'll be thinking about this - appreciate the practicality of it. As someone who works from home, usually in one of two locations, just moving somewhere where I haven't already been sitting for hours can make a big difference! I also never regret going outdoors, although it'll be harder in the coming months...
I’ve talked about and wrestled with my seemingly opposing needs for solitude and community. Now, rather than seeing them as opposites, I see them as dance partners.