In a world that seems more connected than ever, an epidemic of loneliness quietly weaves its way into the lives of women everywhere. Loneliness wears many faces – disconnection in a crowded room, isolation in relationships, the loss of a loved one, or the pain of feeling unseen and unheard.
One of the most misunderstood and often taboo forms of loneliness is the loneliness of motherhood. It’s the paradox of feeling alone when you’re never by yourself. It’s the silent yearning for adult conversation, the aching gap where personal identity used to reside, and the disconnection from the world outside while tending to the ceaseless demands of tiny hands and tired hearts.
Motherhood can be a deeply isolating journey, even though it’s one of life’s most communal roles.
The weight of loneliness is far more profound than we often acknowledge. Research has shown that chronic loneliness can be as traumatic to the body and mind as physical assault. Prolonged isolation affects stress hormones, weakens immune systems, and even shortens life expectancy. In fact, the impact of loneliness on health is said to be comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. You can study the findings for yourself here.
A Tribal Need
The roots of this pain trace back to our evolution. We are wired for connection, for belonging. Our ancestors relied on their tribes for survival – sharing resources, care, and protection. To be isolated from the group wasn’t just emotionally challenging; it was a direct threat to survival.
This tribalism isn’t just a relic of the past. It’s an integral part of being human, particularly for women. Women have long been the keepers of connection, the weavers of relationships, and the nurturers of community. When that natural rhythm of gathering is disrupted, it leaves a gaping void.
For mothers, that void can feel especially stark. In a society that celebrates the image of the ‘supermum’ who juggles everything effortlessly, there’s often little space to talk about the crushing isolation many mothers feel. The village that once supported women through the journey of motherhood has disappeared, leaving them to carry the weight of it all alone.
The Modern Village
In our modern, fragmented world, the spaces where women can gather, share, and simply be are shrinking. Social media gives the illusion of connection, yet it so often deepens the ache of loneliness.
True connection—the kind where we are heard, seen, and understood—happens face-to-face, heart-to-heart.
This is why circles of support like Pause The Week are so vital. Held every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., Pause The Week is more than just a gathering; it’s a return to the essence of community, a reclaiming of our shared humanity.
In these circles, we honour the timeless tradition of women coming together to share their stories, reflect on their lives, and find solace in each other’s company. It’s a space where no one has to pretend or hold it all together. Here, we can simply let go, exhale, and be held – by the circle and by the collective strength of women who understand.
The Healing Power of the Circle
Science echoes what our ancestors knew intuitively: human connection heals. Studies have shown that meaningful relationships improve mental health, lower blood pressure, and even reduce inflammation in the body. For women, gathering in a supportive group fosters a sense of belonging that is a balm to the soul.
Pause The Week offers this medicine in its purest form. Together, we meditate, share wisdom, and find ways to reconnect with ourselves and each other. It’s a sanctuary in a noisy world, a place to step away from the demands of daily life and remember what it feels like to be part of something bigger than ourselves.
Reclaiming Your Tribe
If you feel the ache of loneliness – as a mother, a daughter, a friend, or simply as a woman navigating life’s complexities – know this: you are not alone. The longing for connection is a deep human need, not a failure or weakness. Whether it’s carving out time for yourself in a circle like Pause The Week or seeking smaller moments of connection in your daily life, every step towards togetherness matters.
Let us remember the strength of the tribe, the comfort of shared stories, and the healing power of being truly seen. Together, we can weave a new tapestry of connection, one circle at a time.
If you’d like to join us at Pause The Week, our sessions are free and open to all women. We meet every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., creating a sacred space to pause, reflect, and connect. Spaces are limited, so reach out to secure your spot.
Because no woman should feel she has to walk this path alone. Together, we are stronger. Together, we are whole.
Much Love
Vicki & Sarah xx
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