At Skylonda Lodge, we believe that healthy human interaction is the foundation of a good life.  

In our tech-obsessed world, it can be challenging to unplug and spend quality time with those around us.  According to best-selling author Shawn Achor, the most effective habit to increase happiness is engaging positively with others.  

As we explored in Happiness blog feature, healthy human interaction not only makes us feel good, but it predicts longevity as reliably as regular exercise.  We believe that swapping your smartphone or laptop for meaningful conversations with other human beings has a powerful influence on your health.  We believe that it is critical to cultivate rich relationships and authentic face-to-face connections to restore a sense of belonging and improve the quality of your life.   

Face-to-face connections and meaningful conversation are the foundation of a quality community experience.  As we have all experienced first hand, we can have many conversations throughout the day, but it is only every once and awhile that a conversation stands out and makes you think, “wow, that was a great conversation”.

Great conversations build meaningful communities.  When you improve your conversational abilities you are, in essence, improving the communities you are a part of at the ground level.  The key to a good conversation is mindful balance between listening and talking.

In her TEDxCreativeCoast talk, NPR host Celeste Headlee examines “How to Have a Good Conversation”, providing a number of insights into the art of quality conversation.

Celeste’s 10 Basic Rules for Quality Conversation:

1. 1. Don’t multitask.  Be present.
   2. Don’t pontificate.  Remain open to new ideas rather than monologuing your preconceptions.
   3. Use open-ended questions.
   4. Go with the flow.
   5. If you don’t know, say you don’t know.
   6. Don’t equate your experience with theirs.
   7. Try not to repeat yourself.
   8. Stay out of the weeds.
   9. Listen.  “If your mouth is open you are not learning.”
   10. Be brief.

Missing Out on Good Conversations?

“Loneliness is a growing health epidemic. We live in the most technologically connected age in the history of civilization, yet over 40% of adults in America report feeling lonely, and research suggests that the real number may well be higher.”  Harvard Business Review

If you’re feeling lonely or disconnect from others these days, you’re not alone.  The world is suffering from an epidemic of loneliness. We are craving the authentic human relationships that keep us healthy and happy.

Take this Quiz to gauge your Loneliness levels.

There’s plenty of space for quality conversation throughout our program.  Whether it’s during our immersive redwood forest hikes, obstacle course workout program, cooking classes, or social events, we’re confident that quality conversations will be in abundance during your stay with us.  Upon completion of the program, you will feel physically energized, emotionally connected, mentally focused, and fully engaged with work and life.

Regardless of where you are on your path, there is always room for more at our table.