We all receive a visitor sometimes, called loneliness. How to nicely ask it to go back

You don't have to live in a remote, isolated place like my cabin to experience loneliness. It can be felt even if you are surrounded by hundreds of people in a big city or a company of family or pals.

I lived in my recent cabin for 5 years and in another cabin for one year before that, totalling 6 years of dry cabin life. The biggest question I was often asked was about loneliness. People were always curious about how I dealt with being alone for such an extended period.

I believe nobody is immune to loneliness. It can appear in various forms and affect anyone, regardless of their circumstances. You don't have to live in a remote, isolated place like my cabin to experience it. Loneliness can be felt even if you are surrounded by hundreds of people in a crowded city. You can even experience it in a big family and in the company of friends. It is a universal feeling that doesn't depend on physical isolation or the number of people around you.

Loneliness is primarily a state of mind. It's about how we react to aspects of life such as ego, respect, self-respect, love, care, family, past memories, missing someone, regrets, and materialistic things. These elements shape our mental state and how we perceive our connection to others. The way we handle these emotions and needs can determine whether we feel lonely or content, regardless of our physical surroundings or the people around us.

We live in a world where the desire for appreciation and validation from others is deeply ingrained in us. When this appreciation doesn't happen, we instantly feel insecure, and this insecurity transforms into a profound sense of loneliness. Other factors such as the loss of loved ones, materialistic losses, and personal failures also contribute to our feelings of loneliness and insecurity. However, the biggest role is played by our own minds when we allow ourselves to become dependent on external validation and approval. This dependency amplifies our insecurities, making us more vulnerable to feelings of isolation and abandonment. By understanding and addressing this, we can build a more resilient sense of self-worth that isn't easily shaken by external circumstances.

But there is nothing wrong if you feel lonely occasionally. We all share this emotion together. Also, this feeling makes us human. Otherwise, we would be machines. There is absolutely no harm in embracing it and treating it like another friend who sometimes visits.

Living in an isolated place, I also sometimes experienced feelings of loneliness. At the end of the day, I am human too, and like everyone else, I had to find ways to cope with these feelings. However, my approach to dealing with this emotion has been based on movement.

When loneliness approached me, I could feel its presence looming over me. I allowed it for some time as a visitor friend, but before it became like a visitor that does not want to go back to its own home, I would engage myself in movement. I moved my body and danced not just for joy, but for hope and positivity. I find a profound sense of magic in the act of movement, whether it be dancing, running, or even a simple walk, as it helps me cope with and process my emotions. The physical activity allows me to release tension, gain clarity, and achieve a sense of peace that is difficult to find through other means.

Nature played a significant role in helping me let loneliness know not to approach me the way it wanted. My connection with nature was incredibly long-term, and it served as a powerful remedy for my solitude. Nature was just a door away, and as soon as I opened the door of my cabin, I found myself embraced by the beauty and serenity of the natural world. The trees, the birds, and the fresh air all contributed to lifting my spirits and reminding me that I was not truly alone. This profound connection with nature helped me find solace and a sense of belonging, even in the most isolated moments.

If you have arrived at this paragraph of the article, it is time to experience some real joy and ask loneliness to take a break. Here is a video I would like you to watch, which I created around my cabin to a mix of bagpipe and Punjabi Dhol drum music:

I believe in the philosophy of flowing like a river. Whether it's an emotion like missing someone, a feeling of loneliness, or a past hurt, the concept of flowing like a river has always given me immense strength and resilience. This idea reminds me to keep moving forward, adapting to changes, and embracing the journey of life with an open heart. It’s about understanding that emotions are transient and that, like a river, we can navigate through them and continue to grow.

(If you can, write your thoughts in the comments below)