I am now in Week Three of the complete lockdown here where I live in Europe caused by the outbreak of the virus COVID-19. Cut off as I am now from every one of my usual bustle of activities – people, shopping, concerts, museum visits, group singing, everything -- has put me alone in my apartment with “Her”—myself – whom I am just coming to know/accept/love. A few days ago I came across an essay on the topic of loneliness written by an Indian friend. Mistakenly trying to find myself through others has been a theme in my life that the I Ching has made me aware of. Now from the perspective of my imposed isolation, the topic has taken on an even greater urgency.
Prasad wrote: “...We feel lonely because we don’t know ourselves yet. Until we recognize this fact, life will continue to be an attempt to desperately find ourselves through others.... This will continue until you recognize that the ‘you’ within you requires your love, attention, validation. When you realize your own companionship, value it and enjoy it, you will never again feel lonely even when you are alone.”
HFW