Isolation

I actively seek out pockets of my day where I can find the comfort of complete isolation. I crave being by myself, drink in the silence, quiet my mind. It is deeply gratifying when I have the opportunity to find a sparse and unpopulated open space. Those pure moments of isolation only happen when I travel away from the Eastern Shore to places like Utah, Arizona, New Mexico or Western Mongolia! Since I don’t have access to those spaces on a frequent basis I create moments of solitude in an environment that is dense with flora and fauna. It has a similar but very different affect in quieting my mind. Don’t get me wrong, forests are beautiful and important to my well-being, but lack the pureness of those vast open and desolate landscapes. I use these moments as meditation. It can lead to increased self-awareness and profound positive psychological and physical effects. For some, isolation can deepen feelings of loneliness, depression, and despair. I am constantly reminded that there are many people who live in a constant state of isolation, it is not a choice, it is the reality of every day life resulting in psychological pain. The moments I deem restorative have the opposite effect on those who perpetually feel the weight of loneliness.

The US Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy delcared loneliness a public health epidemic in May of 2023. He highlighted its serious health risks. Health risks compared to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. He called us to action, challenging us to actively foster social connection. This was a public and formal recognition that loneliness is a major threat to individual and societal well-being. His report warned of an “epidemic of loneliness.” “An anti-social century of self-imposed solitude” fostering health effects equivalent to tobacco use or obesity. Some sobering facts follow:

• By 2020, over half of Americans were unmarried, separated, divorced, or widowed.

• In 2023, 38 million Americans were living alone.

• Three quarters of all restaurant business was take-out.

• For the minority who did eat in a restaurant, dining alone increased by 29%.

  
  
  
  

We have a generation of people who spend most of their time isolated in a room with screens and gaming stations. In addition, we have an older generation who feel isolated and alone. We are herd mammals, we need the physical presence of each other to survive and thrive. I began sharing through this blog when I was going through a difficult time. A dear friend suggested I reengage with journaling. Through the process of being vulnerable and open to suggestion I began writing. This unlocked a need and desire to connect on a deeper level with those of you who cross the threshold of the restaurant door, those of you that I have “known” for years as guests of the restaurant and those who are already in my life. The sharing has prompted some substantive conversations. This is exactly the depth of sharing that I require to feel less lonely and more connected. We all need to access and safely share the honest and tender parts of ourselves in order  to feel less alone and more connected.

In the season of darkness and  inclement weather most people are forced indoors. It is important for us to reach out to each other, check in. We just need to provide a tether to remind each other that we are not alone.

When you choose to dine alone with us we take the time to make sure you feel warmly welcomed and enveloped with care. Join us, we’re here!