In her book The Joy of Connections: 100 ways  to Beat Loneliness and Live a Happier and More Meaningful Life, Dr. Ruth K. Westheimer had a section called "Make Your Town Smaller." In it she describes how when she came to New York City she had to make an effort to meet neighbors and make meaningful connections. She says "I made a critical discovery: I had to make New York City feel smaller." Subsequently she joined organizations, went to meetings and gatherings and created a smaller community within a large community. 

Urban life can be a beautiful experience, but only if it includes some degree of social infrastructure: ways in which we interact successfully within a human design. I live in Washington, D.C., which is Metro-accessible and full of museums, libraries, office buildings and churches. With lots of friends and acquaintances, living here can be a warm, even cozy experience. Without those connections, it can be cold and lonely. 

Creating community starts with setting the intention to meet other people. "Beyond your front door is where all the people are," says Dr. Ruth. Sometimes the first action is to open the front door and step outside. You can make it an adventure, like author Keith Taillon does in his book Walking New York. Be sure to talk to people along the way. In today's world people are hesitant, fearful to strike up a conversation lest they be misperceived. 

Building networks is a way to get support and give some stablity to an otherwise chaotic world. Here in D.C. we are going through a particularly difficult period in which work and life structures are quickly changing. Rather than dwell in fear and uncertainty, step outside old patterns and make the effort to develop some support networks and build a cozier community.