Loneliness, self-reflection and meditation

It is the nature of human beings to be inclined to engage in social interaction.

Throughout life, we attempt to affiliate ourselves with friends, peers, and co-workers in hopes that they will share our same interests and beliefs.

Often times, we will gaze at the man or woman that opts to indulge in solitude for a moment in time; it seems as if his or her asocial tendencies command a sense of fascination and bewilderment from the group, inviting stares.

There is nothing wrong with people like this; rather, they have chosen an instance in their days in which to be alone for some reason or another.

It has been embedded into our society that, if a person chooses to occupy his time by engaging in “momentary loneliness,” he is considered to be an abnormal individual, devoid of any potential conversation in a room filled with people.

On the contrary, marching to the beat of one’s own drum should not be criticized; it should be commended. Believe it or not, loneliness provides a conduit to self-reflection and enlightenment. Through the process of confining oneself to isolation, an individual is able to ponder his own beliefs and ideas, rather than being constantly berated with the opinions of a friend or a group as a whole.

Self-reflection can be one of the most imperative emotional releases. It allows for a validation of self-identity and helps to bolster any aspirations that a person may possess, as well as relinquish any negative thoughts.

Every man and woman is born as a “diamond in the rough,” but with time, experience and the right tools to take on the collection of struggles life throws at them, they are tempered into beautiful gems, which can be held as invaluable in the eyes of others.

As human beings, we strive for social acceptance and acceptance of our ideas and interests as a whole—that much is true.

But to have the power to form your own opinion is a stalwart mountain that no amount of ignorance or distorted ideals can ever unearth.

To the person that feels abnormal because they lack the luxury of the constant company of acquaintances, do not fret, but rejoice in the fact that you have been granted a luxury of your own: the gift of time in finding yourself and who you truly are.

Meditation is a method by which you can utilize your gift to its utmost potential; it opens the mind, relaxes the body and vitalizes the soul. It is through meditation that the gift, as well as the burden, of loneliness can be channeled into a positive outlet.

Meditation is achieved through remaining still for a specific amount of time in a fixed position, while inhaling and exhaling deeply in a repetitive, calming motion. Through this process, the mind is cleansed of the overwhelming thoughts that cloud it.

However, mastering the ability to sit completely still and dwell in the comfort of your own silence can be difficult, so alternative methods can be used in order to effectively utilize your “alone time.”

It can be as easy as just lighting candles and sitting in the bathtub after a long day of productivity, or it can encompass the simple act of reading a book of your particular interest.

Writing poetry, observing nature in its splendor or just sitting still and reflecting on the day you have experienced in silence can help awaken your inner guru and set you on the path to enlightenment.

To those of you that are having difficulty being alone, striving for constant companionship or simply feeling isolated from the world around you, take comfort in the fact that there are so many people out there that are dealing with the same struggle.

You have simply been granted precious time in finding out what you want most in this life and who you really are.

Make the most of it, and march to the beat of your own drum, dance to your own music and love the world in all its serenity and grandeur in your own way.

There will be those who will desire to take away your identity, and in the end, that is all you really have.