Ever stop think we are all essentially alone? By merely existing as a living, breathing being with its own consciousness, we know loneliness no matter how many other bodies surround us. I believe there was a good philosophical quote I heard once concerning this matter but I can’t seem to find the correct wording or who uttered the phrase. In any case, its’ an insignificant matter that is - at the same time - very profound and poignant.
Not with or without,
United and divided
We stand as one
Too many-
As circles of lonely people
Walk within and
Without one another
Always enveloped
In the passing-by of life.
Though the idea can sound grim at times, it can also be a very freeing notion. Though I don’t really care for the term, I’m an atheist. That is to say I don’t just believe in something because it feels good; the awesomeness of nature and space is what inspires me in creative ways, as well as being a good and caring person. I mention this only because I feel there’s a parallel. Many theists who do not understand what it’s like to not have that faith assume not believing in a Heaven (for example) means one must be immoral or at the least darkly unhappy. I had never been so happy until I finally came out, being able to admit it to myself and others. The wonders of the natural world around me became animated with colors I had never seen before, loving life more than ever before.
I generally see the positive in things, but sometimes I find it hard to understand the negative. That’s where this parallel comes in to play. Some may see being essentially alone as a negative, whereas the passing-by of life (including everything inspirational in nature) is how I feel “never alone”.
Written August 2006.
