Why would a bodyworker be concerned with Social Media? No, it’s not because I think AI robots will replace massage therapists—quite the opposite. We will find resilience in our connections to other bodies in the room. And we can hone that feedback via connection to ourselves.
Between the snow, the whiplash of the new presidency, and my daughter turning 5, being struck by the flu virus–this year has been so much already.
What I’m focusing on:
Resourcing myself so I can be a resource for others
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How and why we connect
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Our expectations of small businesses (consumption, buying as power, and community) need to shift.
A couple of weeks ago, I left all Meta products (Facebook, instagram, & WhatsApp). I’ve been keeping up with what’s been going on in social media but it’s clear to me that focusing on in-person, real life connections are about to trend.
It all just became too weird. Like a weird sci-fi movie.
What came from my leaving so abruptly was surprising. I started to crave my own company and my own thoughts. I wanted to hear what I believed. I could see the stark change in my thoughts. I was really able to slow down and see what the function of social media played within me. I started to see I was craving connection.
Connection and Loneliness.
I started reading The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness
Anxiety has definitely been something I’ve navigated for many years in many different iterations. Something this book shared within the first chapter is that many of us Gen Z & millennials can say that we’ve had a rough go of life events. From 9/11, the economic crash of 2008, many school shootings, and more. That is all challenging but humanity for as long as we’ve been documenting history has had their share of hard times. But what is different now, is our loneliness and lack of connection. The book makes the argument that the “Great re-wiring” has left us disconnected and not unified. The problem we’re currently facing in difficult times is the lack of togetherness (in person) through hard times. And possibly why things feel extra hard is because we’re not experiencing embodied connections with other people.
The Surgeon General says Loneliness is an Epidemic
In 2023, the surgeon general listed loneliness & isolation an epidemic in our current times. This is huge because we know we are social animals. Let’s not forget we are not above our biology. As science and AI advances, it’s going to be crucial we are connecting to our bodies in real and tangible ways.
From a bodyworker perspective, this is a treasure trove of patterns and connections! I’ve been saying this for some time now but Covid and motherhood has taught me the necessity for nervous systems in the room together.
What I noticed when I picked up my phone to check social media, was not that I wanted to see pictures or shared articles, I was seeking connection. And seeing pictures from people I know is not the same thing as connection.
Experimenting, I started to pick up my phone and send an actual text to a friend–instead of checking notification–just to see how that bid for connection started to play out. Now, when I look at my phone, it’s a hope to see a text reply instead of a social media notification. My attempt at being more intentional with my consumption of media has opened new and deeper conversations with people I love dearly. And real life plans to hang out have happened more! I’ve had more enriching conversations with my kids about the use of screens and the virtual world. And I’ve pointed out several times now the distinction between real life and virtual world—for both my kids and myself. As adults, many of us struggle with the relationship we have with our phones and I believe we need to start discussion it in a productive way.
Take that pause to feel the distinction between real life and virtual world.
That seems silly but even that pause allows for my soma (body) to integrate the distinctions.
And that’s what we do in Body Wisdom and Barefoot Massage Therapy and Mother Circle, and other classes that I offer. We learn to pause to allow our brain to catch up with our body. Our body is full of wise and ancient tools living right under our skin to bring in warnings and wisdom. and And that gives us access and choice to move forward in our life. If you’re feeling stuck or defeated or lonely, tuning into your body may be just what you need. You can view all of my offerings here.
If you’re ready to explore your connection with your body and how we connect within the world, join me in one of my offerings to see what fits in your life best. If you’re unsure, send me a message and we’ll figure it out together.
