Comments on: Lonely But Never Alone

By: lewrich

lewrich — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 16:10:12 +0000

Thanks for everyone’s contributions about this topic of loneliness. As a universal human experience, I’m sure I will be returning to this topic in future posts.

By: marcelina ramos

marcelina ramos — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 03:18:01 +0000

Many thanks for the article of Mr Richmond, but even more thanks for all of you who have contributed your wonderful comments.
I am from the philippines and have a little time to have a yahoo group. I feel connected to all of you who share your loneliness. An I am consoled. Really. Thank you everyone.

By: Jeanne Desy

Jeanne Desy — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:58:40 +0000

Hello Joe,
I am touched by your description. I have only one child whose hatred for me seems to often trump her love. She has one child, who she keeps from me. I only saw him once this summer. They live 50 minutes away. Nothing I do helps. I feel like you do. There is a nice cemetery I visit sometimes, but it doesn’t have a pond. No kin there. . . . Sometimes this is preferable to a visit from someone like my minister, who performs their great, busy life for me and then turns away. There is plenty to be sad about in this life.
Jeanne

By: Lorenz Gude

Lorenz Gude — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 15:56:35 +0000

I’m more a loner than most so don’t suffer from feelings of loneliness. I was married about 30 years ago and remember freeing lonely for a while but gradually became happier and happier with my own company. The odd hour or two once or twice a week and a couple of phone calls from my sister and I have had enough. I experience relief when I realize the day involves no contact with people. I can meditate, work with my focus without getting derailed by social interaction. Oh I like to go out and walk alone in the bush. The sight of roo or a bandicoot really cheers me up. I’ve lived most of my life in my head so finally learning to live more inside my body and be present to my surroundings requires a lot of time on my own. But this is what I want to do and am grateful that I have the opportunity.

By: John Kernell

John Kernell — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:49:43 +0000

Hi, Jeanne,

People just stopped posting … for the moment. You are invited to post some thoughts. Please! I’m sure the “Aging as a Spiritual Journey” members of The Rat’s Ass Sangha (conveniently located on the friendly Isle of Yap) :8-) do check this blog every couple of days to see if anyone else has posted.

By: Jeanne Desy

Jeanne Desy — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 14:31:45 +0000

I am confused – has this list stopped? The July 31 post by John Kernell is the last thing I’ve found. (I never have understood how to find my way around in this list.)

By: Peter Albrecht

Peter Albrecht — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 17:02:03 +0000

For Bob Smith:

“My issue is the sense of urgency that I feel in those responsibilities yet uncompleted.”

I, too, am in my 70s, and have some adult children with issues. If I have learned anything over the years, it is that my responsibilities do not exceed my powers. Please do not fault yourself if you cannot bring those children to independence. At some point, it’s up to them. You may be able to do no more than tell them that you love them, wish them well…and if that’s the case, then you’ve done everything.

By: Daniel M. Kaplan

Daniel M. Kaplan — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 15:48:57 +0000

Ah, “hello darkness, my old friend, I’ve come to talk to you again….”

By: John Kernell

John Kernell — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:15:36 +0000

Great insightful stuff, folks. Thanks. Whenever I feel lonely, I “do” something about it, I “be” with it. Trungpa Rinpoche calls meditation “making friends with yourself.” When I “come to” during the day, I sometimes say, “There I am! Where have you been?”

Hiding (from myself), obviously, waiting to be found.

Can’t be lonely when you talk to yourself like that, I guess,

And yes, the neighbors think I’m nuts. Too bad.

:8-)

By: wendy yee

wendy yee — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 08:27:15 +0000

often,..visiting cemeteries can feel welcoming…your Muse may settle on the bench–do u ever feel llike writing a note or making a quik sketchbook page 2 send to some of ur kids–or send to urself–is fun to look at our creativite efforts later,,

if thoughts stay blue, is ok.

at age 71 +, an interesting thing happens in NH–when i wake up i am glad to b here.