Overcoming loneliness: How to take the first step towards new encounters
The feeling of being alone is an inherent part of human life. But when being alone becomes a state in which you feel permanently separated from the world, we speak of loneliness. The thought " I feel lonely " can be painful and lead to the feeling that something is fundamentally wrong. The good news is: you are not alone in this feeling, and there are ways to overcome loneliness . It's about seeing your surroundings with fresh eyes and understanding that we can be the architects of our own encounters.
Understanding Silence: When Solitude Becomes Loneliness
In our highly connected world, it's paradoxical that feelings of isolation are increasing. Whether it's loneliness in old age , resulting from the loss of friends or partners, or the feeling of not being truly seen despite many contacts – the causes are diverse. Loneliness and depression can be the result, a condition that requires professional help for loneliness . But it often begins with the faint feeling that the important connections in life are missing. Friendship, closeness, the opportunity to open up and escape superficial small talk – these are fundamental human needs.
We tend to wait for something to change, for someone to approach us. But the greatest power lies within ourselves. The initiative of one person can trigger a wave of change. A wonderful example of how one person can start an entire movement is the inspiring TED talk "How to start a movement ." It teaches us that the courage to take the first step is often all it takes to inspire others to join in.
From waiting to action: actively shaping encounters
To overcome loneliness, we must learn to increase the likelihood of random, positive encounters. This doesn't mean you have to become a different person overnight. It means perceiving your surroundings in a new way and seizing small opportunities. Marketplaces and churches used to be natural social meeting places. Today, we often have to create these spaces ourselves. This might be a walk down a new street, visiting a local market, or taking a class. It's about consciously expanding your comfort zone a little bit.
A tool to break the ice
The hardest part is often the transition from a fleeting contact to a real conversation. How do you move beyond the weather to the topics that truly connect us? A playful cue can help here. That's precisely why we developed our Action Cards . They're not a cure-all, but they're a wonderful way to connect on a deeper level with new or old friends and spark memorable conversations. They can build a bridge where words alone sometimes aren't enough.
Creating a culture of connection together
As a non-profit organization, our core mission is to create spaces and opportunities for interpersonal encounters. We believe in the power of a social infrastructure that makes it easier for people to connect. Whether in a self-help group for loneliness or in one of our projects, the goal is always to reduce alienation and facilitate genuine connections. Our partner , The Art of Embodying Change (TAEC), also pursues this approach in its work: fostering a positive corporate culture through consciously designed, value-based frameworks.
So the next time you think, " I'm lonely, " remember that this state doesn't have to be permanent. The ability to overcome loneliness lies in the conscious decision to reconnect with the world—step by step, encounter by encounter.
