"We are our relationships."

Yulia speaks with Monika Jiang about loneliness as a systemic issue, not a personal flaw. They explore how culture, tech, and work shape disconnection, why silence builds trust, and what the lost word “oneliness” reveals. Monika shares practices from the Oneliness Project and her Berlin community dinners.

Chapters:

00:00 Monika's Journey: Understanding Loneliness

04:50 The Misconception of Loneliness

07:15 Acknowledging Loneliness: A Shared Experience

09:04 Curiosity and Care: Approaching Loneliness

12:27 The Importance of Feeling: Slowing Down

14:50 Oneliness vs. Loneliness: A Linguistic Perspective

18:20 Interdependence in Everyday Life

22:59 The Roots of Loneliness: Technology and Environment

27:09 The Search for Connection in a Fast-Paced World

30:26 Work Culture and Its Impact on Loneliness

36:23 Navigating Technology and Loneliness

39:28 The Consequences of Loneliness in Society

46:06 Creating Community Through Shared Experiences

🔗 Links & Resources:
→ Monika on Substack: https://oneliness.substack.com/
→ The Oneliness Project: https://www.monikajiang.org/

Stay in touch:
→ The Breath of Life (Substack)
Creating experiences of interconnectedness—with ourselves, others, and the world.
https://yuliabogdanova.substack.com/about

→ Nature Flow Lab
Outdoor, experiential sessions for teams to approach complex challenges through engaging with nature and a shift in mental state.
https://natureflowlab.com/

→ Berlin Breath Walks
Slow walks using breath and forest presence to recalibrate your nervous system.
https://yuliabogdanova.substack.com/p/berlin-breath-walks