Let the glory of the world go where it will, the mind has its own glory. what it doth, endures. No man can serve many masters. And often the choice is not given you between greatness in the world & greatness of soul which you will choose, but both advantages are not compatible. The night is fine; the stars shed down their severe influences upon me and I feel a joy in my solitude that the merriment of vulgar society can never communicate. There is a pleasure in the thought that the particular tone of my mind at this moment may be new in the Universe; that the emotions of this hour may be peculiar & unexampled in the whole eternity of moral being. I lead a new life. I occupy new ground in the world of spirits, untenanted before. I commence a career of thought & action which is expanding before me into a distant & dazzling infinity. Strange thoughts start up like angels in my way & beckon me onward. I doubt not I tread on the highway that leads to the Divinity. And why shall I not be content with these thoughts & this being which give a majesty to my nature & forego the ambition to shine in the frivolous assemblies of men where the genuine objects of my ambition are not revered or known?
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
I have never experienced loneliness, as I have always preferred to spend my life in solitude and thought - contemplative, analytical, explorative, philosophical and, ultimately, creative thought. It is as essential as dreaming and requires both solitude and silence. To be denied that solitude or at least a silent space in which to think and introspect is akin to the effects of dream deprivation. Within this deprived environment the psyche exists in a constant state of stress and unbalance not unlike that caused by subtle torture.
John 16:32 Jesus said he was never alone. I’ve been trying to adopt this reality for myself and it seems to be working. We are all Gods creations and being alone can move us to feel as Jesus did. Closer to our Heavenly Father
I read every Kurt Vonnegut book. I began reading him at age 13 and eagerly devoured his next work until he died. He was always talking about loneliness, mentioning it in probably every book. This one was titled Slapstick: Or Lonesome No More! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slapstick_(novel)
He was always on about how cruel society could be. Postulating about "ethical suicide parlors" and describing characters who perished in most pathetic and lonely ways. But he was funny as hell and that was the reward of reading someone who was probably a manic depressive... but so insightful, so reflective. Kurt would certainly have something to write about regarding Canada's suggestion if you're not feeling well... feeling out of sorts? This is James Corbett in Japan and his Santa Fe buddy James Pilato in a 30 minute video. I watched the whole deal but the Canadian suggestion for everything and all happens at the 10 minute mark. https://corbettreport.com/nwnw591/
I like Moustakas' focus on the "fear of loneliness" as the real problem. I've learned that the very human experience of emotion is always temporary. Feelings come and go like clouds in the sky. But what we resist, persists. I may be afraid of my own anger or sadness, but if I just allow myself to feel it, it passes. To simply experience an emotion, and observe oneself experiencing it, is very different from expressing it or acting it out. But too many people resist their own emotions, stuff them down so they come out sideways, or they think that freedom means indulging their every feeling in outward actions or speech. Both directions wreak havoc. To sit with loneliness and discover it doesn't kill you is to begin the transformation of loneliness into solitude.
Solitude is your true nature and the healthiest attitude to dwell within while you tread this earth. It doesn't mean you are physically alone. You can be in solitude married and among a multitude of friends. Loneliness is a disease... the word meaning literally "dis- Ease"... ease being rendered void or impaired. This physical plane is shifting, changing, giving & taking, and totally impermanent. It never really was. Loneliness is a constipated focus upon the little ego crying out its losses and festering in a stew of wants it is not acquiring. The wise guys of India have always reminded us to ask ourselves, "Who exactly is it who is suffering?" It's the ego, the false personality you never were. Here's a potent quote from Nisargadatta, "You can do nothing. What time has brought about, time will take away. This is the end of yoga, to realize independence. All that happens, happens in and to the mind, not to the source of the "I am". Once you realize that all happens by itself (call it destiny, or the will of God, or mere accident), you remain as witness only, understanding and enjoying, but not perturbed. You are responsible only for what you can change. All you can change is only your attitude. There lies your responsibility." The first place I click before I read emails or news is here... https://www.mpeters.de/nisargadatta/index.cfm
That covid psy-op was yet another inside job produced by the factory that has been lying, killing and purposely separating humanity from each other since I can remember. Reading history it appears they were at it before I appeared and are intent on continuing when I'm gone. It was sad to see friends, family and neighbors believe every word of the psy-op, but when you're paying 2 or 3k a year for cable TV, sponsored by Pfizer, you don't want to miss one exciting moment. No sir. I am content being dismissed by a multitude of former associates because I didn't attend their church. Quite simply, I didn't BELIEVE, and all it was was religion. It wasn't science as Fauci admitted before Congress last June, all the restrictions "appeared" he knew not from where and it wasn't founded in science. But the factory was successful once again. Nothing is permanent so be responsible for your peace and sanity. I'm reminded of a Grateful Dead tune titled "China Doll" which is a lament upon the fragility of physical nature. Jerry Garcia sings, "All that I leave behind is only what I found." Yeah, I found family, friends and neighbors but I didn't lose them, rather, they lost me. And I'm okay with that. I sure as hell ain't lonely.
Hey Tom: What a brilliant comment. Thank you so much. You hit the heads on so many nails. I love the quote from Nisargaddatta. I've heard some of this before during my years of Buddhist studies and practice a while back, and I remember thinking then--and still think now--that it makes a lot of sense. And thank you for that link. I'll be sure to look into it. I might want to use some of this comment in the book project I'm working on that I mentioned at the end of the essay, if you don't mind. If I do, I'll be sure to get back in touch with you about that. If you want to send me anything else and not restrict it to the comments here, my email is at the bottom of the essay but here it is: jimkullander@gmail.com.
Take anything I write you and attach it with my name if you please. I've written you private email before and you're invited to partake and include all of that within your future book, too. Another Grateful Dead quote, "What a long strange trip it's been." So without whining and suffering over it all, write a song and flow with it.
Wonderful piece, James. Thank you for introducing me to the work of Moustakas; I look forward to reading the featured book and more of his writing. The distinction between loneliness and solitude is a critical one that seems underappreciated. On a personal level I look forward to the daily morning work tending my gardens, which represents my miniscule homage to Walden. Just me, the birds, some squirrels, and near silence even in a large city environment. Perfect solitude.
The note at the end of the piece about adults become more child-like rings very true in my social circle with many friends in their 30s and 40s (a generation younger than me). Unmarried, childless, and focused on upcoming social events, it is unsurprising that they were easy fodder for the COVID machinations, at least in the initial phases.
I also concur with the need for more inner directed people who are willing to stand by their internal belief systems rather than constantly running with the misinformed herd.
I love the amazing interweave of different writers and thinkers, and the very sensitive understanding throughout the article of the difference between loneliness and soliturde. It really is a call for connection with self, and it is this connection, and only this connection, that will change the course of those who wish to corrupt this world beyond repair. Our connection with our own self, a connection so solid that no crowd can budge it, is the one element the opposing forces cannot conquer. Bravo.
Journal, Jan. 1827, St. Augustine, E. Florida
Let the glory of the world go where it will, the mind has its own glory. what it doth, endures. No man can serve many masters. And often the choice is not given you between greatness in the world & greatness of soul which you will choose, but both advantages are not compatible. The night is fine; the stars shed down their severe influences upon me and I feel a joy in my solitude that the merriment of vulgar society can never communicate. There is a pleasure in the thought that the particular tone of my mind at this moment may be new in the Universe; that the emotions of this hour may be peculiar & unexampled in the whole eternity of moral being. I lead a new life. I occupy new ground in the world of spirits, untenanted before. I commence a career of thought & action which is expanding before me into a distant & dazzling infinity. Strange thoughts start up like angels in my way & beckon me onward. I doubt not I tread on the highway that leads to the Divinity. And why shall I not be content with these thoughts & this being which give a majesty to my nature & forego the ambition to shine in the frivolous assemblies of men where the genuine objects of my ambition are not revered or known?
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
I have never experienced loneliness, as I have always preferred to spend my life in solitude and thought - contemplative, analytical, explorative, philosophical and, ultimately, creative thought. It is as essential as dreaming and requires both solitude and silence. To be denied that solitude or at least a silent space in which to think and introspect is akin to the effects of dream deprivation. Within this deprived environment the psyche exists in a constant state of stress and unbalance not unlike that caused by subtle torture.
If on your Journey you meet no one your equal or better, continue on alone. There is no fellowship with fools.
A life well lived, Gwyneth.
It ain't over yet:) Who knows what will come of it.
John 16:32 Jesus said he was never alone. I’ve been trying to adopt this reality for myself and it seems to be working. We are all Gods creations and being alone can move us to feel as Jesus did. Closer to our Heavenly Father
Hi Peter: That’s a very good point. And I, too, feel the same.
Wonderful piece - thank you
I read every Kurt Vonnegut book. I began reading him at age 13 and eagerly devoured his next work until he died. He was always talking about loneliness, mentioning it in probably every book. This one was titled Slapstick: Or Lonesome No More! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slapstick_(novel)
He was always on about how cruel society could be. Postulating about "ethical suicide parlors" and describing characters who perished in most pathetic and lonely ways. But he was funny as hell and that was the reward of reading someone who was probably a manic depressive... but so insightful, so reflective. Kurt would certainly have something to write about regarding Canada's suggestion if you're not feeling well... feeling out of sorts? This is James Corbett in Japan and his Santa Fe buddy James Pilato in a 30 minute video. I watched the whole deal but the Canadian suggestion for everything and all happens at the 10 minute mark. https://corbettreport.com/nwnw591/
I like Moustakas' focus on the "fear of loneliness" as the real problem. I've learned that the very human experience of emotion is always temporary. Feelings come and go like clouds in the sky. But what we resist, persists. I may be afraid of my own anger or sadness, but if I just allow myself to feel it, it passes. To simply experience an emotion, and observe oneself experiencing it, is very different from expressing it or acting it out. But too many people resist their own emotions, stuff them down so they come out sideways, or they think that freedom means indulging their every feeling in outward actions or speech. Both directions wreak havoc. To sit with loneliness and discover it doesn't kill you is to begin the transformation of loneliness into solitude.
Solitude is your true nature and the healthiest attitude to dwell within while you tread this earth. It doesn't mean you are physically alone. You can be in solitude married and among a multitude of friends. Loneliness is a disease... the word meaning literally "dis- Ease"... ease being rendered void or impaired. This physical plane is shifting, changing, giving & taking, and totally impermanent. It never really was. Loneliness is a constipated focus upon the little ego crying out its losses and festering in a stew of wants it is not acquiring. The wise guys of India have always reminded us to ask ourselves, "Who exactly is it who is suffering?" It's the ego, the false personality you never were. Here's a potent quote from Nisargadatta, "You can do nothing. What time has brought about, time will take away. This is the end of yoga, to realize independence. All that happens, happens in and to the mind, not to the source of the "I am". Once you realize that all happens by itself (call it destiny, or the will of God, or mere accident), you remain as witness only, understanding and enjoying, but not perturbed. You are responsible only for what you can change. All you can change is only your attitude. There lies your responsibility." The first place I click before I read emails or news is here... https://www.mpeters.de/nisargadatta/index.cfm
That covid psy-op was yet another inside job produced by the factory that has been lying, killing and purposely separating humanity from each other since I can remember. Reading history it appears they were at it before I appeared and are intent on continuing when I'm gone. It was sad to see friends, family and neighbors believe every word of the psy-op, but when you're paying 2 or 3k a year for cable TV, sponsored by Pfizer, you don't want to miss one exciting moment. No sir. I am content being dismissed by a multitude of former associates because I didn't attend their church. Quite simply, I didn't BELIEVE, and all it was was religion. It wasn't science as Fauci admitted before Congress last June, all the restrictions "appeared" he knew not from where and it wasn't founded in science. But the factory was successful once again. Nothing is permanent so be responsible for your peace and sanity. I'm reminded of a Grateful Dead tune titled "China Doll" which is a lament upon the fragility of physical nature. Jerry Garcia sings, "All that I leave behind is only what I found." Yeah, I found family, friends and neighbors but I didn't lose them, rather, they lost me. And I'm okay with that. I sure as hell ain't lonely.
Hey Tom: What a brilliant comment. Thank you so much. You hit the heads on so many nails. I love the quote from Nisargaddatta. I've heard some of this before during my years of Buddhist studies and practice a while back, and I remember thinking then--and still think now--that it makes a lot of sense. And thank you for that link. I'll be sure to look into it. I might want to use some of this comment in the book project I'm working on that I mentioned at the end of the essay, if you don't mind. If I do, I'll be sure to get back in touch with you about that. If you want to send me anything else and not restrict it to the comments here, my email is at the bottom of the essay but here it is: jimkullander@gmail.com.
Take anything I write you and attach it with my name if you please. I've written you private email before and you're invited to partake and include all of that within your future book, too. Another Grateful Dead quote, "What a long strange trip it's been." So without whining and suffering over it all, write a song and flow with it.
Wonderful piece, James. Thank you for introducing me to the work of Moustakas; I look forward to reading the featured book and more of his writing. The distinction between loneliness and solitude is a critical one that seems underappreciated. On a personal level I look forward to the daily morning work tending my gardens, which represents my miniscule homage to Walden. Just me, the birds, some squirrels, and near silence even in a large city environment. Perfect solitude.
The note at the end of the piece about adults become more child-like rings very true in my social circle with many friends in their 30s and 40s (a generation younger than me). Unmarried, childless, and focused on upcoming social events, it is unsurprising that they were easy fodder for the COVID machinations, at least in the initial phases.
I also concur with the need for more inner directed people who are willing to stand by their internal belief systems rather than constantly running with the misinformed herd.
I love the amazing interweave of different writers and thinkers, and the very sensitive understanding throughout the article of the difference between loneliness and soliturde. It really is a call for connection with self, and it is this connection, and only this connection, that will change the course of those who wish to corrupt this world beyond repair. Our connection with our own self, a connection so solid that no crowd can budge it, is the one element the opposing forces cannot conquer. Bravo.