echoes of loneliness and longing, with hope
journeying through the labyrinth of the heart in search of authentic connection
“What does it feel like to be lonely? It feels like being hungry: like being hungry when everyone around you is readying for a feast. It feels shameful and alarming, and over time these feelings radiate outwards, making the lonely person increasingly isolated, increasingly estranged. It hurts, in the way that feelings do, and it also has physical consequences that take place invisibly, inside the closed compartments of the body. It advances, is what I’m trying to say, cold as ice and clear as glass, enclosing and engulfing.”
— The Lonely City, Olivia Laing
Hello again to my dearest readers, as I emerge from a period of literary solitude. I hope July is kind to you. And I hope that this July, you are kind to yourself. Today, I invite you to explore a realm of introspection—a place where shared solitude and the yearning of the heart intertwine.
In the tapestry of life, I've come to realize the impermanence of human connections. Not everyone who enters our lives stays for the long haul, and I've learned to let go of those who don't truly resonate with our souls. As someone who ponders deeply, the weight of pleasing others takes its toll on my fragile being. Yet, in this revelation, a longing arises—an ache to reclaim genuine connections.
In the intricate dance of existence, expectations and demands can overwhelm us. The vibrant moments we once shared with others can fade into memories, leaving us adrift in a sea of solitude. It is in this solitary space that we find solace—a retreat into the sanctuary of self. While confrontation may offer resolution, it's hard to believe that others remain oblivious to the impact of their actions. Let us release the burden of blame and recognize that such bonds hinder our true selves.
As we summon the courage to embark on a journey of self-healing, a profound yearning stirs within us—an urge for the laughter and meaningful conversations that define genuine companionship. We seek solace in the whispers of sleepless nights and the echoes of cherished memories. Even indulging in simple pleasures becomes an escape, capturing fleeting beauty that resonates in our restless souls. These fragments of longing fill the spaces within us.
Let not yourself drift aimlessly in a sea of sorrow, for the universe holds in store for us wonders that often surpass our wildest imaginations. There will be unexpected encounters, fellow explorers navigating the mysteries of life's uncharted territories. Despite the chasms of time or distance that may separate us, these connections endure, steadfast and unwavering.
Therefore, take solace in the power of your solitude, for it is within the depths of aloneness that true self-discovery unfolds. When the stars align, the companionship we seek shall materialize. They will bring solace and tranquility, a soothing balm amidst life's tempestuous currents—a reflection of the inner queries that shape our very being.
Amidst this tapestry of enchantment, kindred souls unite in a collective affection—a gentle reminder that loneliness cannot persist when lives are interwoven so intricately within the vast fabric of the universe.
graceful touches to indulge in:
literature!
“The Book of Disquiet” by Fernando Pessoa
"The Unbearable Lightness of Being" by Milan Kundera
films
"The Double Life of Veronique" directed by Krzysztof Kieślowski
"Wings of Desire" directed by Wim Wenders
music
"Funeral" by Phoebe Bridgers
"Goshen" by Beirut
"Your Best American Girl" by Mitski