Solitude or Loneliness

“Solitude becomes a descent into the labyrinths of self, where we set up a dialogue with our own depths.”

Sue Monk Kidd, Firstlight

How do we feel when we are alone? Is the experience of solitude a precious gift where we can commune with our innermost treasures? Or do we feel lonely? Both solitude and loneliness are experiences of being along. What then accounts for the difference?

Socrates spoke of the two-in-one thinking. When we are engaged in an interior dialogue we are in the good company of ourselves. On the other hand, when we feel lonely we feel deprived of our own company and forget our connection with God. Feeling lonely can often be traced to thoughts that accentuate not having enough love, attention, or blessings.

There is a way out of loneliness. Our first inclination is to perhaps call other and fill up our time with people outside of ourselves, and there is nothing wrong with this solution. However we can still be lonely even in a crowd if we don’t go deeper to the source of the loneliness, which is our relationship with ourselves.

To heal our loneliness we must first establish a friendly relationship with ourselves, one that is supportive rather than critical. To be a friend to oneself is to listen compassionately to our feelings, offer supportive comments and be a fun companion.

Affirmation

Today I cherish the richness of my solitude. I enjoy my time alone as I realize I am in the good company of myself and God.

Rev. Sage Bennet, Ph.D.

Author of Wisdom Walk: Nine Practices for Creating Peace and Balance from the World’s Spiritual Traditions.