On Being Alone ( June 08 )

I have been thinking a lot these days about the state of being alone

Now - this is not to be confused with being lonely

It is a thought that I have visited - and re visited - many times over the past few years

I have come to realize that there is a huge difference between being alone and being lonely

The first is simply a physical state

The second an emotional one

I believe this is something that many people struggle with and often confuse over the course of their lives

I think it is paramount that people learn to be alone

As uncomfortable as it initially is

Sit with it

Embrace it

After all - it is one of the ultimate human experiences

We come into this world alone - and as so also we must leave it

ALONE

Is it not unfair to use another human beings presence just to scratch an itch or fill a void that we are somehow unable to cope with by ourselves? 

Refrain from filling up an empty space or yearning by simply substituting the next best thing - or even worse - that which is readily available and easy

This is unfair to both ourselves and the person whom we use

So

If opportunity - and life - find you "alone"

Sit with it

If you are still enough you will hear yourself breath

You will hear your heartbeat

You will hear YOU

Everything may become a little clearer

Intimate

And you may just find yourself in a higher state of awareness and being 

Alone - but not lonely

~me~

PS Obviously - you may also be in a crowd of people - very much not alone - and yet - somehow - the loneliest you will ever be