This year will mark my 25th year as a clinical social worker and psychotherapist. I say that both with pride and with pause..where has the time gone? I have been reflecting a lot lately, and I think the most important thing I have learned in my years as a therapist is that connection and community is crucial to one’s emotional well-being and fulfillment.
When I started my career, the internet was still new, beepers were still widely used more than cell phones, and social media was not on anyone’s radar! It was a time when people would make the time to stand around the water cooler or the copier at work to talk and connect, that is face to face. In today’s technological world, where loneliness and disconnection have become so widespread, community is still more than just a source of comfort—it is essential to our mental and emotional well-being. Research has consistently shown that social support reduces stress, improves resilience, and enhances overall life satisfaction. What these years have taught me is that connection and belonging are a human need that is tied to our survival. Consequently, when we don’t experience this both our mental health and the spirit of who we are deteriorates.
I founded The Awakening Center based on the belief that people cultivate joy, healing, and connection when they feel a sense of community. Although we are not a traditional Buddhist center, I have learned that one of the most profound ways we can nurture community is through mindfulness meditation. Meditation not only helps individuals find inner peace but also deepens our ability to care for and think about others. This idea is central to Buddhist teachings, which emphasize interconnection and the oneness of all beings.
The Paradox of the Digital Age: More Connected, Yet More Lonely
Many of us experience cognitive dissonance as it pertains to our conflicted feelings of spending so much time online. We live in an era where technology allows for instant communication and social media gives the illusion of constant connection. However, research increasingly suggests that the rise of digital interactions has not strengthened our sense of belonging but rather contributed to widespread loneliness and isolation.
A 2023 study from the American Psychological Association found that despite being more “connected” than ever, Americans are experiencing the highest levels of loneliness recorded in recent history. Similarly, a 2021 study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships showed that excessive social media use is linked to greater feelings of isolation, anxiety, and lower life satisfaction, especially among young adults.
Why Are People Feeling More Isolated?
Several factors contribute to this paradox:
🔹 Superficial Interactions vs. Deep Connections – Social media interactions often prioritize likes, comments, and fleeting exchanges rather than the meaningful, face-to-face interactions that cultivate true intimacy and support.
🔹 Comparison Culture – Seeing curated highlights of other people’s lives can lead to feelings of inadequacy, reinforcing isolation rather than fostering real connection.
🔹 Replacing Real-World Interactions – As digital communication increases, the amount of time spent engaging in real-world social experiences declines. A 2018 study in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology found that reducing social media use to just 30 minutes a day significantly decreased loneliness and depression.
🔹 Loss of Community Spaces – With the decline of traditional gathering spaces such as religious centers, community organizations, and local clubs, many people struggle to find spaces where they can build relationships organically. Moreover, the shift from office presence to more people choosing to work from home has had a huge impact on people finding community at work.
The Science of Community and Mental Health
Numerous studies have shown that strong social connections contribute to better mental health and physical well-being. The Harvard Study of Adult Development, which has followed participants for over 80 years, found that close relationships are the strongest predictor of happiness and longevity.
Conversely, loneliness has been identified as a major public health concern. The U.S. Surgeon General’s 2023 Advisory on the Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation compared the health risks of chronic loneliness to smoking 15 cigarettes a day, linking it to increased risks of depression, heart disease, and cognitive decline. These findings reinforce what spiritual traditions have long taught: we are meant to live in connection, not isolation.
How Meditation Deepens Compassion and a Sense of Oneness
At its core, meditation is not just about personal peace—it is about awakening to the interconnectedness of all life. Many meditation practices, particularly those in Buddhist traditions, are designed to expand our capacity for compassion and reduce our focus on just thinking about ourselves.
One powerful practice is Metta (Loving-Kindness) meditation, which involves directing goodwill toward oneself and others. Through regular practice, we cultivate a deep sense of care—not just for those we love, but for all beings, even those we may struggle with.
This shift in perspective leads to greater compassion, patience, and an understanding that we are all part of the same whole. The more we practice meditation, the more we dissolve the illusion of separateness and recognize the truth of oneness.
Why Community is Essential in the Buddhist Tradition
In Buddhism, Sangha (spiritual community) is considered one of the Three Jewels, alongside the Buddha and the Dharma (teachings). This highlights the idea that personal growth and awakening are not meant to happen in isolation but within a supportive collective.
The sangha serves as a refuge—a place where individuals come together to practice, learn, and support one another on their spiritual paths. In this way, community becomes a vital part of the journey toward wisdom, compassion, and enlightenment.
How The Awakening Center Fosters Connection and Community
At The Awakening Center we are not a traditional Buddhist center, but we are deeply committed to creating spaces where people can come together to meditate, connect, and find healing in community. Here are some upcoming opportunities that we hope you join to participate and experience this sense of belonging!
🧘 Meditation Monday with Said – Weekly
A weekly gathering to cultivate inner peace and connection. Practicing meditation in a group enhances focus, accountability, and a shared sense of presence.
📅 Sign up here
📚Book Club with Storey
Together, let’s turn the pages to our next chapter of self-discovery, empowerment, and connection. Join us as we embrace the power of storytelling to enrich our lives and ignite positive change.
📅 Join us here
🕉 The Awakening Center Sangha – Launching February 25th
Our new sangha will meet monthly for meditation, a talk, and mutual support through trusted breakout groups. We are a “Buddish” sangha and so our talks explore both Buddhist teachings and other important self-improvement and healing topics. It is also for anyone seeking a welcoming community.
📅 Join us here
🌿 Friday Unwind with Jen – March 14th
An evening dedicated to relaxation, mindfulness, and connection. This is a time to de-stress, reflect, and share space with like-minded individuals.
📅 Reserve your spot here
🦜 Spring Migration Birding Trip – April 14th
Nature and mindfulness come together in this special event. Birdwatching encourages us to slow down, observe deeply, and appreciate the interconnectedness of life, mirroring the principles of meditation and presence. We will be visiting Sabine Woods again for a magical experience!
📅 Sign up will be coming in March
Community as a Path to Healing and Awakening
We live in a world that often prioritizes individualism, but true healing happens in connection with others. At The Awakening Center, we believe that community is not just a support system—it is an essential part of growth, healing, and awakening to the truth of our shared existence.
By practicing meditation, cultivating compassion, and engaging in meaningful connections, we move beyond the illusion of separateness and recognize that we are all in this together. And in my experience, that is when all of us thrive.
🌟 Join our growing community of seekers, meditators, and mindful explorers. Whether through meditation, nature, or shared reflection, you are not alone—community is here, waiting to welcome you.
