“‘But people are never alone now’ said Mustapha Mond. ‘We make them hate solitude; and we arrange their lives so that it’s almost impossible for them ever to have it.’” – from Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
So many people have been forced to figure out how to be alone this past year. For those who have never liked being alone, those who crave companionship, those who hate solitude, it’s been hard. Indeed our lives are so often arranged: work, playdates, sports, meetings – it’s hard to find time for solitude. I wonder how many people figured out they liked a little time alone. How many took the time given them to slow down and just be in the moment.
I must confess I have much to work on here. It wasn’t the “pandemic” that forced me to be alone, but the loss of my husband. I fear I didn’t always make the best of my newfound solitude. It’s not easy. But if it was easy, I’d never learn and grow. If it was easy, I’d have to question why.
For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. – Ecclesiastes 4:10
Not In This Soup Alone 