I birthed a book baby. It’s called Un-Lonely Planet
Un-Lonely Planet is about how to create spaces of belonging outside of organized religion, and forge deeper relationships with both ourselves and our community. It’s about creating more secular congregations, AKA groups that create a container for moments of healing.
You can buy the book here. Bonus points if you leave a review!
I wrote Un-Lonely Planet because I want to destigmatize loneliness, and provide a framework for anyone to find and create their own healthy congregation. Those seven steps are:
Getting frientimate
Deepen the intimacy in all of your relationships, rather than romantic partnership alone. This will make you far more happy and connected.
Creating an alternate universe
Take the time and energy to find spaces that make you a better version of yourself. These gatherings will help you find people who share your values.
Sharing with strangers
Find gatherings that allow you to have conversations with people you don’t know. Sharing with strangers is a way to feel connected to others, reduce shame around what we’re dealing with, and remember that we’re not alone.
Seeking spiritual guidance
Look for people who can guide you on your path, spiritually or otherwise. Three effective ways to promote mentorship are creating intergenerational spaces, modeling new forms of spiritual leadership, and creating community hubs.
Finding healing spaces
Prioritize spaces that can help you heal from your trauma. While this is difficult work, it’s the biggest gift that you can give yourself.
Incorporating ritual
Participate in collective song, dance, and storytelling. These experiences will help you feel connected to others, and also serve as powerful tools to fall back on in times of tragedy.
Stepping into leadership
Create the spaces that you want to see in the world. Gathering people is one of the best ways to feel connected to your purpose and your community.
I’ve written other things about community, too!
You can find a primo selection of those words below:
Lonely? You’re Not Alone.
NBC Think
Professional Relationships are Broken, But We Can Fix Them
Convene
The Skeptical Event Planner’s Guide to Meditation at Corporate Events
An interview with Jesse Israel, the founder of The Big Quiet, for Convene
Meet VaynerMedia’s Chief Heart Officer—Your New Favorite Corporate Executive
Convene
AI Will Automate Us Out of Our Mental Health, And Our Jobs
Quartz
Why Community is the Secret Sauce of Storytelling
Comcast + Startup Grind
4 Ways to Help Relocated Employees Feel Less Alone
Convene
How Patagonia Created One of the Most Generous Family Policies in the World
Convene
What a Harvard Divinity School Fellow Can Teach You About Creating Corporate Events
An interview with Angie Thurston of the Onbeing Project