Alone or Lonely
Alone or lonely? That is a question I’d like to explore. Sometimes we choose to be alone in order to concentrate, relax, rejuvenate, become more self-aware, find answers, get clear perspectives, investigate and face challenges, or get our creative juices flowing. Being alone is a physical experience that simply means we are without another person present, and more often than not by our choosing. Being alone is more a matter of fact. There are many times during the day when being alone is actually the best thing. We can get things done, move forward with new ideas, calm mental states, refocus on the day’s work and challenges.
Reconnect
Loneliness, on the other hand, is an emotional expression of despair and sadness that arises when we feel excluded, isolated, rejected, disconnected, dissociated, unwanted. When in the midst of the very loneliest moments, we can benefit from the experience. By turning our attention inward to reconnect with our inner essence, to experience the intimacy of being with our true and authentic Self there is no room for loneliness. Moving inward, we feel a warm self-affection that soothes our spiritual unease and reinforces our soul’s wisdom. This is why meditation is so vital to our wellbeing. It moves us inward and keeps us connected to Self.
Self
Research scientists have shown that separation from Self is the real conduit to loneliness. If we test the emotion of loneliness, we discover that the reality of its existence is not so solid after all and that we can never really be alone as long as we are internally connected to Self; the most important and valuable relationship we will ever have.
“No one can ever give us, or replace, the kind of unending communion, connection, and understanding we have with Self.”