Good morning my fellow Hivers, i am @ayakaliman and i believe we've been having an amazing time as the week keeps going. I woke up this morning with a thought as i watch and interact with different class of people. I will like to share this thoughts and hope it will make your weekly worth while. I will be discussing two concepts that is often misunderstood by many. " Being Alone and Lonely or Loneliness"
Why Are You Scared Of Being Alone?
Most people don't know how to be alone. The moment they find themselves in an empty room, they reach for their phones. They turn on the TV. They call someone, play music or do anything to fill the silence. Silence is not supposed to be uncomfortable. Being alone shouldn't feel wrong.
Why do we treat solitude like something to escape?
Why do we rush to fill the spaces where we could just be?
The truth is, we've been conditioned to believe that being alone and being lonely are the same thing. But they aren't. Loneliness is the ache of disconnection. It's feeling unseen, unheard, unknown even in a room full of people. Being alone is a state of being. It's a choice. And when embraced, it is one of the most powerful things you will ever experience.
The more you run from solitude, the more power loneliness has over you. So, what if you did the opposite? What if, instead of fearing the silence, you sat with it? What if you treated solitude as a gift instead of a punishment?
Here's my attempt to differentiate between being alone and loneliness. Hope it help someone understand the concept better.
The Fine Line Between Being Alone and Loneliness. In today's world, being alone and loneliness are often used interchangeably. However, they are distinct concepts that have different implications for our mental and emotional well-being.
Being Alone
Being alone refers to the physical state of being by oneself, without the presence of others. It's a neutral state that can be voluntary or involuntary. Being alone can be beneficial, allowing us to:
- Reflect and introspect
- Recharge and rejuvenate
- Focus on personal growth and development
- Enjoy quiet time and solitude
Many people enjoy being alone and find it essential for their mental health. In fact, some of the most creative and innovative minds have credited solitude with sparking their ideas.
Loneliness
Loneliness, on the other hand, is a negative emotional state characterized by feelings of isolation, disconnection, and sadness. It's a state of mind that can be debilitating and affect our mental and physical health.
Loneliness can stem from various factors, including:
- Social isolation
- Lack of meaningful relationships
- Trauma or loss
- Mental health conditions
Unlike being alone, loneliness is often accompanied by feelings of emptiness, hopelessness, and despair.
Key Differences.
The primary difference between being alone and loneliness lies in our emotional state. Being alone is a neutral state that can be beneficial, while loneliness is a negative emotional state that can be harmful.
Here are some key differences:
- Choice: Being alone is often a choice, while loneliness can be involuntary.
- Emotional State: Being alone can be peaceful and calming, while loneliness is often accompanied by feelings of sadness and despair.
- Impact: Being alone can have positive effects on mental health, while loneliness can have negative effects.
In my final words, being alone and loneliness are distinct concepts that require different approaches. While being alone can be beneficial, loneliness requires attention and support.
By understanding the differences between these two states, we can better address the needs of those who are struggling with loneliness and promote the practice of being alone among many.
Here are 3 things you can try this weekend:
- Sit in silence for five minutes. No phone, no distractions. Just you.
- Take yourself out, not because you have to, but because you want to.
- Write down three things you love about your own presence.
Once you master being alone, loneliness loses its grip on you.
At the end of the day, if you can't sit with you, then who else can?
Thank you for taking time out to go through my post. I believe it will add up to what you know and believe before now. Have an amazing weekend.
Regards.
Liman Ayaka Agbu