Not everyone knows how to be alone with others, how to share solitude.
We have to help each other to understand how to be in our solitude,
so that we can relate to each other without grabbing on to each other.
We can be interdependent but not dependent. Loneliness is
rejected dependency. Solitude is shared interdependency.
We can cultivate an inner solitude and silence that sets us free
from loneliness and fear. Loneliness is inner emptiness. Solitude
is inner fulfillment. Solitude is not first a place but a state of mind
and heart. There is a solitude of heart that can be maintained at
all times. Crowds or the lack of them have little to do with this inward
attentiveness. It is quite possible to be a desert hermit and never experience
solitude. But if we possess inward solitude we will not fear being alone, for
we know that we are not alone. Neither do we fear being with others, for they
do not control us. In the midst of noise and confusion
we are settled into a deep inner silence.
Teresa of Avila
Solitude, o solitude
You can’t make up your mind
Sometimes you won’t leave us alone
Sometimes you’re hard to find
At times you wear a different face
And then you change your name
By calling yourself loneliness
You play your cruel game
On summer nights when stars are bright
We don’t want you around
But if we want to share the scene
It’s often you we’ve found
Don’t think we don’t appreciate
The times we need your touch
But when you hang around too long
You always cost too much
fixxxeres@Gmail.com
My Solitude 