Quirkyalone

Weighing in on the “extraordinary rise and surprising appeal of living alone”

May 08, 2012 - Written by Sasha Cagen  |  Filed under: Uncategorized

I will be on KCRW’s national news affairs program “To the Point” tomorrow Wednesday 11-12 with sociologist and fellow examiner of the modern human condition Eric Klinenberg. We’ll be talking about his excellent book Going Solo: The Extraordinary Rise and Surprising Appeal of Living Alone. The topic will be the growing global phenomenon of people living alone. As the author of Quirkyalone: A Manifesto for Uncompromising Romantics, I provide the on-the-ground commentator perspective as well as a global view from having interviewed so many quirkyalones. Let me be equally clear that although I am a kickass commentator on this trend and an advocate for quirkyalones and quirkytogethers everywhere (and I actually really love living alone), my heart is very open to finding my beloved and a future in which I might not live alone. Just had to throw that personal note in there!

I have a review of Eric’s book coming up and I have been so busy writing a book of my own I haven’t been posting much, but this too will come.

UPDATE: Here’s an audio link to the show. Great discussion, very illuminating, and well worth a listen!

Connected, but alone?

Apr 09, 2012 - Written by Sasha Cagen  |  Filed under: Solitude, technology

A beautiful TED talk and a very quirkyalone message that I have blogged about too. “Technology (social media) provides the illusion of companionship without the demands of friendship.” This talk by MIT professor Sherry Turkle is ultimately an argument that we must build the capacity for solitude in order to have real connection in our lives (to listen to each other and not try to control all communication). Her talk reminded me of this blog post “Zeitgeist Alert: The End of Aloneness?” that I wrote in 2009 in response to this essay by William Deresiewicz “The End of Solitude.” Let’s all become more self-aware about how we use technology. And talk about how to do that!

Alone on the Holidays? Here’s How to Turn Loneliness into Solitude

Apr 08, 2012 - Written by Sasha Cagen  |  Filed under: Uncategorized

The Huffington Post Mindful Living editor asked me for advice on what to do if you find yourself alone on the holidays. Here’s what I told her about turning loneliness into solitude. Essentially my advice is that you can turn any holiday into Quirkyalone Day if you set the right intention. Read more here about how.

A deep conversation about life (and coupling vs. “the tribe”) with Frank Moore

Mar 24, 2012 - Written by Sasha Cagen  |  Filed under: Personal Growth, Quirkytogether, Video

There is no complaining in Frank Moore’s world. We are all responsible for creating our own consciousness. That is what makes this rebel “cripple” performance artist, creator, and radical who has had cerebral palsy since birth so compelling—and why I wanted to do this interview. There are many fascinating twists in this conversation, and I recommend you watch the whole two-hour shebang. Your mind will be blown if you give this video your attention.

For me, doing this interview was like going on a trip, with no drugs. The video will challenge your patience as Frank slowly communicates. He “speaks” by using his red headlight on his forehead to point to the colorful keyboard-meets-Ouija board that sits on a tray on his wheelchair. He designed the keyboard with letters and his most commonly used words. He slowly picks out words and letters that Linda, who is sitting next to him on an exercise ball, reads aloud. He uses a tool that emanates from his forehead to paint and type. Frank made that painting that is sitting behind us.

Sasha Cagen (& Michael) – Frank Moore’s Shaman’s Den from Frank Moore on Vimeo.

Here is the backstory behind the interview. The theory is that by pushing ourselves out of comfort zones, we grow. I was afraid to go, and I’m sure this interview will give me inspiration for a long time to come. I hope it does the same for you.

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Welcome to the quirkyalone movement newly identified quirkyalones!

Feb 23, 2012 - Written by Sasha Cagen  |  Filed under: Uncategorized

Welcome to the quirkyalone movement, all of you who just read about quirkyalone.net in the New York Times’ story on the freedom and perils of living alone. We are glad that you have joined us. Let us know if you have questions. You can meet and greet in the forums, and follow us on Facebook. And be sure to sign up on the mailing list to stay on top of quirkyalone events and other news. The mailing list signup is just to the right under the CNN video.

Remember the quirkyalone movement is a grassroots movement, don’t ask when it is coming to your town, bring it there yourself.

One Is the Quirkiest Number

Feb 22, 2012 - Written by Sasha Cagen  |  Filed under: Uncategorized

When did the media get so into quirkyness? I thought that was my sole territory. Now the New York Times plays up the quirky habits of solo dwellers in the Home Section. The reporter may be confusing the quirky behavior of living alone with other kinds of issues, like, forgetting to put your clothes on when you leave the apartment. But I do adore being quoted in the New York Times talking about eating “discrete objects” for dinner.

And this piece has brought the quirkyalone movement to many readers who had not yet heard of it, and for that I am glad.