When Things Fall Apart

Be comfortable with loneliness

Instructions

Acknowledge loneliness as a common experience.
Understand that feeling lonely is a normal part of the human experience, not a reflection of personal failure. Reflect on times when you've felt lonely and remind yourself that others feel this way too. This can help diminish the stigma you might associate with these feelings and encourage acceptance.
Identify and reduce escapist behaviors. Notice when you use activities like scrolling through your phone or watching videos as a way to avoid feeling lonely. Keep a journal of these behaviors for a week, noting what triggers them and how you feel afterward. Aim to replace these habits with periods of reflection or quiet time, focusing on being present with your feelings rather than avoiding them.
Learn to sit with your loneliness.
Set aside dedicated times to be alone with your feelings without distractions. Find a quiet, comfortable space where you can sit undisturbed. Start by spending just five minutes sitting quietly, focusing on your breath and the sensations of loneliness without trying to change or judge them. Gradually increase this time as you become more comfortable to the practice.
Engage in meditation.
During meditation, practice labeling your thoughts as "thinking" and then letting them go. This practice helps you stay present and learn not to engage with every thought that arises, fostering a calm acceptance of your mental landscape.
Practice non-attachment to thoughts.'
When you catch yourself engaging in the mental chatter that comes with loneliness, practice non-attachment. Remind yourself that thoughts are temporary and not an accurate reflection of reality. This helps reduce their impact and allows you to remain more balanced and centered.