"Loneliness, as a concept, is going to be the next epidemic." – Noah Friedman

We have all seen the signs and heard the instructions - stay 6 feet away from each other. When followed, this rule has kept the COVID-19 infection count low in some areas and is vital to helping states re-open stores and public places. But when was the last time any of us gave another person a hug? Or even a handshake or a pat on the back? Chances are, for most of us, its been about 5 months since we have interacted with another person this way, and it begs the question; how has being apart from others affecting our need, as humans, to be connected?

In this next episode of Luminaries in the Dark, host Bruce Bracken is joined by two people who are hoping to keep us connected during these troubling times. Noah Friedman and Sahil Bhaiwala are co-founders of 6FtCloser, an online platform designed to send short videos of appreciation to essential workers. Users can, in a short time, show their gratitude by either making a video, or nominating an essential worker to receive a video. All messages are exchanged anonymously, and users are encouraged to speak from the heart.

While this platform doesn’t replace the comfort of a hug, or an in-person communication, it can remind us of the power of gratitude. 

Resources

6FtCloser - Website

Noah Friedman - LinkedIn

Sahil Bhaiwala - LinkedIn

Bruce Bracken - LinkedIn

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