“If a man is alone and yelling in the forest, there is no woman around to hear him – is he still wrong?” I heard that joke the other day and I hope it made you laugh as it did me. That joke along with the inspiration of a very special friend, made me think about being alone. Of course when many of us think of being alone we also think about being lonely - and there is a huge difference in the two.

Jung has taught us that there are two personality types; introverted and extroverted. If you want to find out what type you are take the Myers Briggs test, you can take a very simple one here. If you happen to be an introvert, you need alone time. It is only then when you get a chance to revitalize yourself. We all need some alone time. The Masters have taught us that in our silence we will grow. The problem is some people associate being alone with being lonely and it’s just not the same thing.

Have you ever been at a party full of people that you didn’t know very well (if at all) and felt really awkward? So awkward in fact it was a little painful? That feeling is loneliness. In fact feeling lonely when we are with another person is one of the worst feelings. It can easily lead to depression and all kinds of unhealthy ends. I think most people know what loneliness is because most of us are so afraid of it – we don’t want to be lonely.

The key here however is we never really have to feel lonely, because being lonely is an internal feeling… not an external reaction. Being alone is brought about by external, physical circumstances, but being lonely is how we internalize how we feel about circumstances. As I said, we can feel lonely in a room full of people. Since being lonely is an internal feeling it is entirely within our control. Love yourself enough to be your own best friend. This is what the saying, “be comfortable in your own skin” means. Choose to be fulfilled, not lonely – you’ll be a happier person.

Remember, you came into this world completely alone… and you will leave this world completely alone – but at both times I’m willing to bet you did not and will not feel lonely.

Love and Bright blessings ~ Richard