Why do I feel disconnected from people even when I'm surrounded by them?

There's a particular loneliness that happens in crowds. You're physically there, making conversation, doing what's expected—and still utterly alone. Mirabai knew this. She was surrounded by devotees, by family, by community, but her deepest connection was internal, with something she couldn't hold or touch. What you're experiencing might not be a flaw in you. It might be a signal that surface-level connection isn't enough for you anymore. Some people need depth. Some people need to feel *seen*, not just present. When emotional availability is one-directional—you're giving but not receiving, or vice versa—disconnection sets in. Ask yourself: Are these people actually knowing you, or do they know a version you've edited? Do you trust them with the harder parts? Are you present with them, or performing presence? Sometimes disconnection means you need to go deeper with the right people, not wider with more people. Sometimes it means you need to grieve a connection that looks good on paper but doesn't feel true. Mirabai's freedom came partly from accepting that not every relationship would satisfy her longing. She got selective about where her heart went. That's not coldness. That's wisdom. Notice who makes you feel less alone, even in silence. Start there.