Mindfulness Practice

The Invisible Isolation: Lonely in a Crowd Loneliness has become the surprise guest no one invited to our hyper-connected world. You might be hanging out with friends, family, or colleagues, yet feel like you’re at a party where no one remembers your name. Yep, that’s "lonely in a crowd" for you—a feeling that’s less about headcount and more about heart-connections. Why Are We Lonely When We’re Not Alone? Loneliness isn’t about being alone (because hey, sometimes being alone is awesome). It’s the gap between the relationships you want and the ones you have. Even in a packed room, you might feel like an outsider looking in. Common culprits? Too much small talk, not enough soul talk. Hanging with people who just don’t get you. Social Media - scrolling through Insta-perfect lives can leave you feeling like you’re missing the memo. So What’s the Damage? Chronic loneliness isn’t just sad—it’s sneaky. It can mess with your stress levels, immune system, and even your self-esteem. Ba...

When Faith Hurts: Growing Up in a High-Control Religious Environment I grew up in a world shaped by strict rules and expectations. My sister and I were raised as Jehovah’s Witnesses, though our parents weren’t part of the religion. Despite this difference, my parents were loving and supportive, encouraging us in our beliefs even when it was painful for them to watch. My mother, in particular, often stayed silent, though I could see the hurt in her eyes when our faith caused us to suffer. Living under the weight of these beliefs was challenging. As a teenager, I made choices that, by most standards, would seem ordinary. I went to a club. I kissed a boy. But in the world I knew, these actions were more than just harmless exploration—they were considered serious transgressions. The guilt was overwhelming. I was taught that my worth was tied to my behavior, and when I fell short, I believed I was unworthy of love and forgiveness. At 16, I reached a breaking point. I was consumed by the bel...

Why Do I Self-Isolate? Let’s face it: self-isolation has become the personality trait I didn’t ask for but somehow ended up owning. Maybe you’re like me. Maybe you’ve canceled plans because suddenly the walls feel like friends. Or maybe you’ve spent 45 minutes debating if you should text “can’t make it” or fake an elaborate illness. Sound familiar? Well, pull up a chair—unless, of course, your chair is already your best friend—and let’s dive into the why behind our self-imposed hermit status. It’s Not You, It’s Me (But Mostly, It’s You) Let’s start with the obvious: people are exhausting. Sure, socialising can be fun, but small talk? Torture. I can only fake enthusiasm for “How’s work?” so many times before my brain starts buffering. Then there are the group hangouts where everyone talks at once, and you’re left wondering if you’ve gone temporarily deaf or if the universe is just punishing you for leaving the house. Plus, let’s not forget the emotional labour of trying to be “on” in so...