From the website of YES! magazine comes this reflective piece titled, “Murmurations: Loneliness As Fermentation.” The essay addresses the epidemic of loneliness that followed the Covid pandemic but especially affected the disabled. Here the author focuses interest on Julian (a)of Norwich, the 14th-century Engish anchorite, and how her deliberate isolation summoned a sense of spirituality into a bleek setting.
URL: https://www.yesmagazine.org/opinion/2023/09/28/murmurations-loneliness-fermentation
Three articles from Psychology Today:
“The Art of Loneliness,” with the byline “Striking the balance between solitude and isolation.” The article develops several themes: understanding the benefits of solitude, distinguishing isoltion from solitude, paying attention to the benefits of silence, and relieving stress.
URL: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/duty-to-self/202309/the-art-of-aloneness
“Lessons on Facing Loneliness From Philosophy,” with the byline “Wisdom traditions teach the value of solitude for clarity and peace.” The article develops several themes: solitude as opportunity for reflection and growth, that our moods carry formsof wisdom, and that loneliness, however painful, teaches us about ourselves.