How to Actively be Alone

There is nothing like the sensation and emotions that come with loneliness. It is like you are isolated and alien to the beating heart of the world; a cell gone awry in the fluxation of life.

In today's world, many people find themselves alone. It is not by choice that we come to this, nor is it a thing we always detest...in many ways, loneliness is a grayness in which we wait to clear. Much as the stormy weather rises and covers the sun, but we know it soon will pass.

The sun is always brighter when the rain has fallen and the air is fresh.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Yourself.
• Candles.
• Notebook.
• Pen.
• Book.
• Movie.
• Your favorite CD.
• A hobby...

1. 
    
   Stand Alone.

   Loneliness is like a mountain when you are hiking. Right as you step into the shadow, the world seems cooler, the sun seems dim. The wind at the base of the mountain is like ice - bitter and uncaring as it passes you by.
   
   However, it is also like a mountain in the way that we can determine not to live in it's shadow. We can look up to the sky, take a deep breath, and find a path that will lead us over it's tremendous height.
   
   To do this, you will want to get to know yourself better.

2. 
    
   Brave Thyself.

   Find time to break away from the sorrow that is the quaint accompaniment with loneliness.
   
   Read a book. You don't have to read the whole thing, you don't even have to be interested in it.
   
   Reading, however, will improve your senses, calm your mind, soothe your brain from numbness. It will allow the tiny coggs to move freely, like oil on gears. Reading is a natural brain sedative. It draws your attention away from being lonely.
   
   Reading is not for you, you say?
   
   Then you are more likely to be antsy or fidgety and weepy when you are alone. How do you handle this?
   
   There's a general rule for this - Stay away from sugar and caffeine.
   Now, take a nice looong walk. Stretch your legs, move your muscles. Get yourself on the move. Force yourself out of the house and be among people - even if you don't make a move to say hi to any strangers, you can breathe and find peace amongst the others in the world.

3. 
    
   Lonely Self.

   Walking and reading are not your cuppa? Ok then...we can try something new.
   
   Take your favorite, most upbeat CD/Songs, Music Mix - whatever! Put it on. I know, it's not like you really wanted to listen to it, but try. Give it a few minutes or skip to your favorite track on the album. Don't get despair if this doesn't ease your energies - but if you feel the urge to sing or dance, I say follow it!
   
   Music is a natural remedy for the heart, body and soul. It can lift a spirit and be recognized as something momentous and wonderful. It reminds the mind of happy things (if it is a happy song) and usually can make a person smile until you can count their teeth.
   
   If you're not in the mood to dance or sing - try your favorite movie. Remember, mopey and sad isn't going to work - try something like Disney's Cinderella (you can cry, but it's a good kind of pain) or maybe the Lion King. Remember how awful it was when Simba's dad, Mufasa died in the stampede? How powerful and happy it was when Pumbaa and Timone came along to make it a better day? The love Simba and Kilala shared at the end of the film? What a wondrous moment it was to see Simba as the king?

4. 
    
   Got the Moody Blues?

   Ok, so the tricks above you didn't work?
   
   Let's identify with ourselves. Sometimes all it takes is the need to feel satisfied or accomplished. So - what do you like to do? Do you have any hobbies?
   
   Think of a way to get yourself moving and grooving.
   
   Re-arrange your room:
   add flowers, clean, move furniture, go through old boxes of things you don't ever use, paint your walls a new shade of green or blue, buy some curtains, get some new bedding.
   
   Re-arrange yourself:
   buy some makeup, paint your nails, get a manicure or pedicure, take a bath, get a massage, treat yourself!
   
   If you're artsy:
   Buy a new medium of art to experiment with, make yourself a new handbag, paint something nice for your friends, create a friendship bracelet or two and mail them off to your friends.
   
   Reeling to be outside:
   buy some flowers, weed your garden, mow the lawn, plant a new area with a vegetable garden, experiment with the room you have to find a place for your new lawn gnome.
   
   Aching to be alive:
   go out to the movies (by yourself), buy yourself some lunch and relax, go to the park and read a book, walk your dog or maybe your neighbor's dog (if they'll let you), go to a weekend college class or a sit-in class to see if there's something of interest for you, check out some travel brochures, donate your time at a local old-folks home.

5. 
    
   Loneliness is NOT a Fun Place.

   If there's nothing here that sounds appealing, try something - anything that won't hurt you or others.
   
   Go for a hike up that metaphorical mountain - until you can breathe and see the sun!

Tips & Warnings

• If you're feeling more than just lonely, having mood swings, feeling suicidal - you may be depressed. Depression is a disease that is very common and can be helped with proper care. Please consult a physician if you are experiencing radical emotions for more than 2 or 3 days.