Have you ever wondered what it truly means to be alone?
Not lonely, but alone—fully present with yourself, free from the noise of the world, and deeply connected to your own being.
There’s a profound power in solitude, a power that can transform you in ways you never imagined. Let’s explore this together.
The Story of Arjun: Walking Alone to Find Himself
Once, there was a young man named Arjun. Arjun was always surrounded by people—friends, family, colleagues.
He thrived in their company, believing that being together was the key to happiness.
But over time, he began to feel a strange emptiness. Despite the laughter and conversations, something felt missing.
One day, an old wise man in his village said to him, “Arjun, it’s better to walk alone than to walk with a fool. If you want to grow, you must first learn to be with yourself.”
At first, Arjun was confused. How could being alone be better than being with others?
But the words lingered in his mind, and he decided to give it a try. He set aside a day to be completely by himself—no phone, no books, no distractions. Just him, sitting quietly in his room.
What he discovered shocked him. Within minutes, his mind began to race. Thoughts he had buried for years surfaced—fears, regrets, dreams he had forgotten. At first, it was overwhelming.
He wanted to run back to the comfort of company, but he stayed. Slowly, as the hours passed, something shifted. The chaos in his mind began to settle. He started to see himself clearly—not as others saw him, but as he truly was.
By the end of the day, Arjun felt a sense of peace he had never known.
He realized that being alone wasn’t about isolation; it was about connection—connection to himself.
He understood that unless he knew how to be with himself, being with others would always feel incomplete.
The Wisdom of Solitude: Why Being Alone Matters
There’s an old saying: “When you want to do a short and quick journey, walk alone. When you want to do a long journey, walk in company.”
The key, however, is knowing who you are before you walk with others.
Being alone allows you to:
- Discover Yourself: Without the influence of others, you can hear your own thoughts and understand your true desires.
- Grow Consciously: Unlike other creatures, humans have the unique ability to evolve consciously. Solitude gives you the space to reflect and grow.
- Find Clarity: When you step away from the noise, you gain clarity about your life, your choices, and your purpose.
The Human Being: Not a Human Doing
We are called human beings, not human doings.
This is a profound distinction.
Our uniqueness lies in our ability to simply exist, to sit in stillness, and to consciously choose our actions.
Unlike other creatures, we are not bound by compulsive behavior.
We have the power to evolve, not just biologically, but consciously.
When you spend time alone, you tap into this power.
You realize that you are not defined by what you do but by who you are. This understanding transforms the way you live and interact with the world.
The Practice of Being Alone: A Simple Exercise
Here’s a challenge for you: Take a break—not from life, but from the noise. Spend a day, or even an hour, in solitude. Here’s how you can do it:
- Find a Quiet Space: Sit in a room where you won’t be disturbed.
- Disconnect: Turn off your phone, TV, and any other distractions.
- Just Be: Sit quietly, breathe, and observe your thoughts. Don’t judge or suppress them—just watch.
At first, it might feel uncomfortable. Your mind might feel like a “madman,” as thoughts race uncontrollably. But with time, you’ll notice a shift. The chaos will settle, and you’ll begin to see yourself more clearly.
The Reward of Togetherness: Coming Together Consciously
When you know how to be by yourself, your relationships with others become richer and more meaningful.
You no longer come together out of need or compulsion but out of choice.
This is the true reward of solitude—a deeper, more conscious connection with the people around you.
Imagine this:
Every morning, you take just 15 minutes to sit with yourself. Over time, you’ll become more aware of your thoughts, emotions, and patterns. You’ll start to see what’s wonderful within you and what needs transformation. And when you do come together with others, it will be a celebration of togetherness, not a burden.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Power of Being Alone
Being alone isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength. It’s the foundation upon which all meaningful connections are built.
When you know how to be by yourself, you step into the world with clarity, peace, and a heart full of love.
So, take a step back. Walk alone for a while. Discover yourself. And when you’re ready, step into the world with the power of being truly, deeply human.
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