Isolation
A circumstantial state of being separated from others, which can be neutral rather than painful — the objective condition Loneliness names the felt version of.
How it shows up
Isolation describes the circumstance of being apart from others, through living alone, remote work, illness, travel, or geography. It may feel neutral, peaceful, or painful depending on whether it is chosen and how long it lasts. Research links prolonged isolation with health risks, and researchers are still working out how much comes from the circumstance itself and how much from loneliness. It names the objective condition, not the feeling.
How it differs from Loneliness
Isolation is the objective condition of being apart; loneliness is the painful feeling of lacking wanted connection, which can occur even among people.
Notice
Notice when being apart feels restful and when it begins to feel like something missing.
Where it is felt
Felt most in the chest, stomach and whole body.
Based on Nummenmaa et al. (2014), bodily maps of emotions, and related research. The map shows where people report bodily sensation, on average; individual experience varies.