Lonely? Or Alone?
by Baba Shuddhaanandaa Brahmachari
It is common to hear people complain about being lonely around holidays during the year when expectations are running high. This is especially prevalent if someone has lost a loved one or broken up with a spouse or friend, or if the family is not together.
Loneliness kills many people in this world. People are finding less and less time for themselves and for others due to their chaotic lifestyles! Let us understand that loneliness and aloneness are not the same. You are lonely when you are cut off from others and you therefore think in your mind that you are lonely. Aloneness is when you are alone, but not lonely, for that is the best quality time to have with yourself.
When we believe that we are lonely we usually rush to deal with this unpleasant feeling with something outside of ourselves. It might be drinking alcohol, overeating, or going to see a therapist or friend to talk. Loneliness is a self-imposed negative emotion which, when you are caught in its rut, only breaks down all of the good things that come your way!! The mind is the core of everything in this world. Your wine or extra food are just acting as painkillers; they are temporary, providing a mere patch. It does no good other than to help you forget about your pain for a while, while the root of the pain only goes deeper.