Dixya Poudel

In the journey of life, people traverse through time in their own consciousness. It is intriguing what thoughts partake in the mind, what feelings the heart feels and what yearnings the soul experiences. It is a gift to be born a human and according to Hinduism, human beings are born and reborn until their soul achieves enlightenment and consequent liberation. Hinduism is known for its beliefs in reincarnations and it is said that our lives are governed by the decisions made during our previous births.
It brings to question the nature of life, death and the in-betweens. We are born alone and depart from this earth alone. But while alive, we lose touch with our inner self and the free spirited inner child. Why do we constantly seek others' company and dread the dearth of friendships and relationships? It is true that we are social beings who thrive in social company but every once in a while, it is important to connect to ourselves as well.
Loneliness can be unbearable since it is painful not to have close compatriots. And according to psychology, there are three forms of loneliness: Existential loneliness, social loneliness and emotional loneliness. All of these kinds of loneliness can be debilitating. While social and emotional loneliness can be relieved by the presence of a loved one, existential loneliness is much abstract and vague that has loomed over humanity for centuries.
People continue to seek a part of themselves in others even when it is evident that relationships aren't always a means to an end. Additionally, lovers deeply in love claim to have been bound to one another throughout their different rebirths. However, to seek fulfilment through another soul is to create vulnerability. And yet, if addressed with love and compassion, this search for fulfilment can lead to better communications, understanding and companionships.
We all love to be seen and heard and it is even better to be understood profoundly. While it hurts to be invisible, unseen and misunderstood, it is certainly healing to be accepted with affection. After all, as a human being we thrive on the prospects of love which begets happiness and joy.
In these times of social distancing, solitude has become the default norm. Many lives have been relegated to self-isolations and quarantines. The pandemic has thus led to a new kind of loneliness, one without choices. Today lives hinge on varying degrees of isolations and quarantines. Loneliness is mostly considered to be an epidemic but it has now mired its very presence in the pandemic, exacerbating mental, emotional and psychological health.
There is a remarkable difference between solitude and loneliness. Solitude finds us at peace with ourselves while loneliness leads to gnawing anguish. Rumi has said, "It's your road and yours alone. Others may walk it with you but no one will walk it for you." Life is better when we share it with another but it is equally rewarding to come to terms with one's soul.
People enter and leave our lives and we are lucky to find a desired person to cure our loneliness. However, once we come to terms with our solitude, our inner world will be a sanctuary. Therefore, listen to your heart, hear your thoughts without judgements and be compassionate with your soul.