Building an inner home: how to confront loneliness
Many circumstances in life can lead us to feel lonely, even when we are surrounded by many people. Having people around doesn't necessarily mean good company.
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Many circumstances in life can lead us to feel lonely, even when we are surrounded by many people. Having people around doesn't necessarily mean good company. On the other hand, those who experience migration may feel even more lonely, as they not only cross geographical boundaries but also emotional borders, being far from family and friends.
Disconnection, especially when people migrate, can feel overwhelming, because also involves a process of adapting to a new environment and culture. This can lead the people to experiencing grief, as a loss of the original identity, sense of belonging, and emotional well-being. Therefore, we propose to reflect on some practices to build an inner home that provides warmth, strength, comfort, and self-connection.
Recognition of Loneliness
The first step is to recognize that loneliness is a common experience of existence, and many authors have already spoken about it, like the mexican poet Octavio Paz, who says: "Loneliness is the deepest condition of human nature. Man is the only being who seeks another."
This feeling is heightened when the persona is far from family and friends, and another factor that can accentuate the distance is the language barrier and not having a support network. However, feeling lonely doesn't equate to being weak; it's a completely normal human feeling, and is possible build an inner home.
However, it's necessary accept the presence of the loneliness to avoid suffering from depression. Nowadays, globally, 280 million people suffer from depression, according to the World Health Organization. This leads to the need to allow oneself to feel self-compassion, to stop being hard on oneself, and to admit that loneliness can arise at any occasion in life. For healing, is necessary this recognition.
Connecting with Identity
While it's true that life often demands adapting to new contexts, this is more noticeable in the case of migrants. To overcome this limitation, one should try to connect with cultural roots by participating in activities that integrate other people from the country of origin.
Meaningful connections are another pillar of a welcoming inner home. This can be achieved by connecting with local communities or with other people who share values and interests, joining support groups, and even reaching out to people going through similar circumstances. Find online support circles can be important during this emotional journey.
Besides, it's crucial not to neglect self-care. Activities that promote good emotional and mental health should be encouraged, such as guided meditation, physical activities, or expressing feelings through learning new skills like painting, writing, or playing music.
If necessary, one should seek professional support from therapists, social workers, counselors, or psychologists. Asking for help is not shameful; instead of that, it's a brave decision from someone who loves and cares for themselves.
Ultimately, building a warm inner home is a process that begins with recognizing feelings, self-compassion, cultivating meaningful connections, and connecting with identity roots. This inner home can be filled with beautiful flowers and thrive through everything one has to offer to the world, regardless of the geographical location.
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