We’ve been watching the Australian version of a TV series called ‘Alone’. We first came across it as a recommendation from a work colleague. The original series is filmed on Vancouver Island and boy it was addictive from the first episode.

It’s a reality TV show that follows a group of individuals handpicked to take part in an extraordinary and demanding survival competition. The idea is to see who can endure the longest while living in complete isolation in the wilderness, armed with limited resources and zero contact with other participants or the outside world.

No internet, no phone, no technology, and no human interaction for as long as possible.

This series truly offered me a unique and captivating perspective on human endurance. It showcased the physical, mental, and emotional challenges individuals face when cut off from civilization, having to rely solely on their survival instincts in the wild.

Here are five things I learned from watching all ten seasons over the past few months:

1. The Importance of Emotional Resilience: The contestants on “Alone” grapple with extreme isolation, and the psychological toll of prolonged solitude is evident. It reinforced the idea that we need emotional resilience and human connection to maintain our mental well-being. It shows how our emotional state can significantly impact our ability to survive and thrive.
2. The Power of Collaboration: Although the show emphasizes individual survival, there’s one season where contestants are paired up, allowing them to collaborate. These instances highlight the power of teamwork and the advantages of working together. As social creatures, we can achieve more when we join forces, share resources, and support each other.
3. The Value of Communication: Contestants on “Alone” may be isolated from one another, but they’re equipped with video cameras to document their experiences. This reinforces the power of story and the ability to forge connections by expressing thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Communication is crucial for our well-being and the establishment of meaningful relationships.
4. The Impact of Loneliness: The show profoundly illustrates the effects of loneliness on human beings. Contestants often grapple with feelings of isolation, longing for human interaction, and yearning for emotional support. It serves as a reminder of our inherent need for social connections and sheds light on the detrimental effects that isolation can have on our mental and emotional state.
5. The Celebration of Relationships: When contestants are finally reunited with their loved ones after their journey, the show emphasizes the joy and significance of human relationships. It underscores the importance of meaningful connections, love, and support from family and friends. Relationships play an integral role in our lives, acting as a stabilizing force for our spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being.

Human connection is sacred. Ethereal. Spiritual. Meaningful.

We are not meant to live our lives alone or in isolation from others. We need each other.

Certified Flourishing Coaching has been all of that and more to our lives. Being connected into the tribe has renewed our sense of purpose and meaning as we navigate the next season of our lives after our kids have left home. It has brought us together as a couple, and we’ve made new friends and deep connections with people who are incredible and necessary for our lives in the future. We are grateful.

There’s nothing quite like going on a journey together and this Flourishing journey is only just beginning.