Facilitated by Dr. Len Matheson

Combat Loneliness, Find Healthy Connections – A Community Book Study: As a psychologist, I've witnessed the struggles of loneliness and isolation for over 50 years. My personal journey, moving here six years ago to be near our grandchildren, has also been marked by these challenges. Despite living in a rich and engaging community, the past few years have seen a growing sense of isolation due to the pandemic and culture wars. This personal experience has heightened my concern about the dangers of loneliness and isolation, Which may sound radical, but the statistics are there to support it.

Loneliness is a widespread issue with severe consequences for individuals and society, especially older adults. In 2020, the National Academy of Sciences reported that loneliness is a growing threat to public health, increasing the risk of developing dementia, depression, and heart disease. Loneliness can shorten a person's lifespan. Yikes!

In a world where loneliness feels increasingly common and it has become easier to be isolated by polarizing social barriers, we all crave deeper, more authentic connections. Even though most of us have the technology to easily connect with friends and family around the country and worldwide, why are we feeling so lonely?

But it's true, and I can easily bore my friends when I put on my neuroscientist hat and explain that allowing their strained relationships to go unrepaired and not replaced is shortening their telomeres. Usually, I get their eyes crossed and something like, "Yeah, but how about them 49ers!?"

Although most of us feel in our guts that the scientists are right about loneliness and isolation, we also aren't sure what to do about it.

Now, enter David Brooks, the insightful New York Times columnist, who illuminates a powerful path forward in his new bestseller, "How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply, and Being Deeply Seen." Through the practice of authentic attention, empathy, and recognizing strengths, the book offers a beacon of hope. It aims to strengthen connections and foster a sense of belonging, showing us that change is possible.

Join us for a three-evening one-hour community book study exploring Brooks' transformative ideas. This online discussion is free and open to all, regardless of spiritual beliefs. It's about improving our skills to strengthen connections and foster a sense of belonging and acceptance. We welcome everyone to be part of this inclusive journey. Each evening will focus on a section of the book:

• I see you: Illuminating others with authentic attention.

• I see you in your struggles: The art of empathy.

• I see you with your strengths: The wisdom of failing forward.

And get this—you don’t even need to read the book to participate and benefit, but there is a good likelihood that you’ll purchase your own. I’m just saying.

So, whether you're seeking a sense of belonging, want to improve your relationships, or feel disconnected, this book study welcomes you. It's an opportunity to learn, discuss, and embark on a journey of personal growth and self-discovery in a safe, inclusive environment. Participating lets you gain valuable insights and skills to enhance connections and combat loneliness.

For one hour each week, we will use technology to overcome a few of our isolating barriers and start building the skills to be better connected within Butte County and beyond.

Open to all. Let's create a more connected community together!