We've all felt lonely at some point(s) if our lives. But why do we feel lonely? What's the opposite of loneliness? And is there a way to be alone but not feel lonely?

Find out more with our co-hosts Cheryl and Kai Xin as they chat with Heng Soon. 

About the guest

Teo Heng Soon (known as Soon in short) is a final year student at the University of Melbourne studying towards his passion of becoming a human capital consultant. Passionate about people, he has been a leader with multiple volunteer organisations like the Dyslexic Association of Singapore.

Buddhist Fellowship Youth has been his Dhamma home for 12 years. Honing his leadership skills, he has learnt to give Dhamma talks and conduct workshops and sutta discussions.

On a personal level, Soon is passionate about the arts - from Karate to Photography.

Transcript here.

Timestamp:

(02:30): Going to the temple for the girls

(04:29): Fitting in to feel less alone

(05:55): Struggles with Dyslexia, Bullying

(09:46): What’s the link between loneliness and essentialism

(15:04): Everything is Dhamma

(15:16): Kai Xin’s interpretation of Loneliness

(22:45): Running away from Loneliness

(25:39): The persistent theme of identity - “What am I?”

(27:11): Being Alone is Not a Problem?

(30:28): Suffering still won’t go away even if you’re enlightened

(31:49): Letting go doesn’t mean you own nothing; but that nothing owns you.

(35:16): Finding stillness in Seclusion: Soon’s reflection on his 2-week ordination journey

(40:44): Tips to cope with loneliness: community, cognitive diffusion.

Helpline:

National Care Helpline: 1800-202-6868

SOS 24-hour Hotlines: 1800-221-4444

SOS 4-digit hotline: 1-767

Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019

Institute of Mental Health: 6389-2222 (24 hours)

Tinkle Friend:1800-274-4788 (for primary school-aged children)

Care Corner Counselling Centre (Mandarin): 1800-353-5800

Thank you to our sponsors for this episode:

Alvin Chan, Tan Jia Yee,  Tan Key Seng, Soh Hwee hoon, Wilson Ng, Geraldine Tay, Ven You Guang.