Includes bibliographical references (pages 189-194).
Contents:
Part I: The problem. Loneliness: the basic crisis of a modern society ; The personal cost of loneliness: mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health ; The cultural conundrum: success, technology, and tribalism -- Part II: God's design. The original design: coming back into alignment ; It was meant to be this way: how we are hardwired for connection ; The deep longing: the importance of attachment -- Part III: Practical solutions. Model for action: the greatest commandment ; Individual responsibility: looking inward ; Personal responsibility: what happens when we are part of the solution ; Faith communities: the effect of stepping outside the four walls ; The messy embrace: understanding vulnerability, community, and redemption.
Summary:
"Loneliness has reached epidemic proportions. We have lost the art of connection and relationship, and it?s killing us. Odds are good that you have a loved one or friend whose struggle with addiction, mental illness, suicidal thoughts, or self-injury stems from loneliness. Maybe it?s you. Perhaps you?re feeling depressed or anxious, struggling with compulsive behavior, or simply questioning whether you are truly seen, loved, and valued. The culprit could well be that you?re lonely. Dr. Mark Mayfield understands the crisis well, as it led to him nearly taking his own life as a teen. As a board-certified counselor, he has built a reputable counseling practice on the forefront of brain science and attachment therapies, dedicating his life to helping adults and adolescents confront their feelings of isolation and alienation. He is relied upon by new and experienced counselors for training, and he has become an anchor and guide for community leaders, educators, and faith leaders. When you read and apply the practices in The Path out of Loneliness, you?ll develop habits that move you from isolation to connection. You?ll learn the importance of attachment, the art of connection, the power of relationships, the priority of personal responsibility, the gift of vulnerability, and the vision of God, who knew from the beginning that it?s not good for us to be abandoned to ourselves. This book will guide you, the people you love, and the community you live in toward a richer, fuller, healthier life."--Amazon.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.