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“Social distancing” is the phrase of the day. The coronavirus pandemic has forced us to keep our physical distance. But, what about our emotional connection? This is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen our bonds of love and solidarity. While staying home we can actually do some emotional “social nearing”. Let’s be alone together, instead of lonely. Here is my guide to hosting a “social nearing” session.

What is a “Social Nearing” Session?

A “social nearing” session is an online gathering for people to connect and support each other. This can be a group of family members, friends, co-workers or even strangers. Every person gets a chance to say how they are feeling, support others and share moments of gratitude and joy.

You can even build on this idea by discussing specific subjects, doing a movie/book club, playing games, doing a joint jam session, etc. Conversation can be healing.

Why a “Social Nearing” Session?

Loneliness and social isolation can be as damaging to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

Researchers on “The Loneliness Epidemic”

This is a time of collective stress, which can trigger mental health issues in many people. Social distancing can exacerbate our loneliness epidemic. Let’s show our solidarity by being alone together, providing human connection through technology.

Emotional connection through a computer screen is possible. I transitioned my coaching practice last year to online sessions. I help clients thrive, no matter where they are in the world. I feel their warmth, their stress or their joy just as vividly. This experience is the basis for my “social nearing” sessions.

Schedule the Session

Invite your group to join you in a video chat platform, such as Whatsapp, Skype or Zoom. It’s nice to see everyone’s faces. You can schedule your session for a time you would normally socialize, like a mid-morning coffee break, lunch or happy hour. The length of the session is up to you. I like to do half an hour – short and sweet.

Promote Warmth During the Session

“Social nearing” is about people feeling connected. So, be sure to smile, send virtual hugs and allow people to express themselves.

Give People a Bit of Time to Vent

I start with a round robin of “what are you feeling?” so that everyone has a chance to vent. Venting is liberating and hard to do when you are alone at home. It’s important for others to listen, not talk or try to solve problems. Sometimes, I follow up a particularly deep vent with “what do you need from us?”.

Help People Focus on the Positive

I ask people questions to shift them into a positive mindset. These may include:

“What are you grateful for right now?”

“How are you going to bring joy to your day today?”

“What have you always wanted to do that you can do right now?”

End on a High Note

Make sure to complete the “social nearing” session with an expression of connection. It can be a virtual group hug, a cheer or each person sharing gratitude for the group. Encourage people to keep connecting with each other online. Help them get creative.

This is a time for us to come together emotionally. I hope this article gives you some useful ideas. I will be hosting free “social nearing” sessions, so look for them on my Facebook page.

Virtual hugs to all. We can do this.

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