Loneliness is more than an emotion, it’s a biological signal telling us we need connection. In this episode of Retreat, Reset, Transform, Donald Currie, Registered Psychotherapist and Clinical Director at Dimensions Algonquin Highlands, explores why loneliness has become a modern epidemic and how it impacts our mental, emotional, and physical health.

Donald unpacks the science of connection, the hidden causes of disconnection, and the role of attachment patterns, technology, and lifestyle shifts in shaping our relationships. You’ll discover practical, research-backed ways to restore belonging, from somatic practices and micro-connections to the transformative power of intentional community and retreat experiences.

Whether you’ve been feeling isolated, want to deepen your relationships, or are simply curious about how connection heals, this episode offers insight, hope, and actionable steps to help you feel more seen, supported, and part of something bigger.

From Fight or Flight to Rest and Repair – Understanding and Shifting Nervous System States

Your nervous system is the control center for how you respond to life, but when it’s stuck in fight, flight, or freeze, it can feel impossible to find peace. In this episode of Retreat, Reset, Transform, Donald Currie, Registered Psychotherapist and Clinical Director at Dimensions Algonquin Highlands, takes you on a deep dive into the science of nervous system states and how to shift from survival mode into a place of rest, repair, and connection.

You’ll learn how chronic stress and trauma keep the body on high alert, how the polyvagal theory explains our patterns of reactivity, and why regulation is key to healing. Donald shares somatic and mindfulness-based practices to help calm the body, quiet the mind, and reestablish a sense of safety.

Whether you’re navigating anxiety, recovering from burnout, or supporting others through stress, this episode offers a blend of neuroscience, practical tools, and compassionate guidance to help you reset your nervous system and reclaim your capacity for ease and resilience.