Rebuilding Your Village

A recent study finds Americans are spending notably more time at home, and it’s not wholly the pandemic’s fault. Thank technology: For the last 20 years Americans have slowly traded their social institutions — like churches and clubs — for isolation.

Have we forgotten how to be social creatures? On today’s show: A conversation with journalist Rosie Spinks about concrete ways to rebuild your proverbial village.

Here’s a preview:

[4:00] Counting the ways in which the pandemic hastened a cultural shift toward isolation already in progress

[9:00] You don’t need friends; you need 50 people

[16:00] Be the person who asks twice!

[24:00] The quiet genius of enacting place-based rituals

[31:00] Reminder! Canceling is not a form of self-care

[35:00] Are your social efforts rarely reciprocated? Enact this 3-second mindset shift

Resources mentioned:

• What Do We Do Now That We’re Here (via Substack)
• Kurt Vonnegut’s commencement speech
• Episode #498: Removing The Mask

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