When you are alone, you are not lonely, you are simply by yourself. There is a huge difference between aloneness and loneliness. When you are lonely, you are thinking of someone else, you are missing someone.
Loneliness is a negative state. You feel that it would be better if someone else was nearby – your friend, your wife, your mother, your beloved, your husband. It would be nice if someone was around. Butthere is no one there. Loneliness is the absence of another.
Aloneness is the presence of oneself. Aloneness is very positive. It is a presence, an overwhelming presence. You are so full of presence that you can fill with it the entire universe and you will not need anyone.
When there is no “someone special” in our life, we can either feel lonely, or enjoy the freedom that aloneness gives. When we do not find the support of others in the truths that we deeply feel, we can either feel bitterness and isolation, or rejoice that our vision is strong enough to overcome the basic human need for the approval of family, colleagues and friends.
If you are facing such situation right now, realize the point of view from which you will begin to consider your aloneness, and accept responsibility for the choice you made.
A modest figure on this card emits light emanating from within. One of the most significant contributions of Gautama Buddha to the spiritual life of humankind was the insistent demand on his students: "Be the light for yourself." At the end of the day, each of us should develop the ability to make our way in the dark without any travel companions, maps, and guides.