Blog 717 – 08.09.2017
Solitude Versus Loneliness

Solitude and loneliness are not synonyms but are thought to be and are used so by many. Loneliness in reality is based on a mistaken belief that we must constantly have another person with us to be complete or to feel whole. It is as if we are afraid of getting to know our true self, that singular and magnificent being that is bigger, better, finer, fuller than most of us dream. When quiet apart time comes to us we should accept the solitude as an opportunity to get to know ourselves better rather than believe we have lost our connection and feel the pangs of loneliness.

We feel lonely because we do not recognize who we truly are. I read a blog this morning about continually asking ourself the question, “Who am I?” Whisper it as a prayer and expect to hear an answer. You have to get quiet for this, turn the sound and picture down, and turn our focus not outward but inward. Mommy and daddy, sister and brother and even the most tender and compassionate lover cannot help us with this. We do not need to be rescued from our solitude but encouraged to pursue it regularly. I wrote recently that we need to make special and regular dates with ourself. How else will ever get to know and find out who we really are? Asking the question is meditating.

Since I allowed myself to come to know the real me I have learned to look at things a lot differently. People and situations were never really my problem. I had a problem with me, or thought I did till I got to know me and love me for who I am. It is so easy to love everyone else now and I see no enemies only potential friends. Friends, even Superman needed his Fortress of Solitude to discover who he truly was. All our myths and legends have lessons for us. I close with a lesson from a Motown song:

“What becomes of the broken heart
Who had love that is now departed
I know I’ve got to find
Some kind of peace of mind.
Help me please.”

Don’t ever be lonely. Use your solitude to explore the question, “Who am !” till you hear a resounding, “Some kind of wonderful. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah” keep on asking.

Your friend and fellow traveler,
David White