Sannyas World Headquarters? Posted by: Prem Purushottama
Dated: Friday, February 05, 2010
You were asking for responses to your “The Final Call” and I did not want to react but rather respond, so time was given for the response to crystallize...
From New York to New Delhi, loneliness is increasingly becoming a regular phenomenon. It is becoming a new lifestyle. Most of the flats in an urban setting are occupied by only one member or maybe two (including his/her pet). Loneliness appears to have become particularly prevalent in modern times.
Ironically, loneliness frequently occurs in heavily populated cities; in these cities many people feel utterly alone and cut off, even when surrounded by throngs of other people. Many more young people live alone, often away from family or friends because of work or college. The pressures of life may not leave enough time to make good relationships. Many people get into relationships they would not choose if they were not afraid of being alone. Twitter, Facebook and Blogs become the only companions. Urban loner socializes virtually and smiles artificially; listen to music to escape and visits coffee shop alone.
The fear of loneliness is one of the most common fears in adults. Whether someone suddenly have suffered a loss and separation and have to adjust and accommodate their lives to totally new situations cause distress and anxiety. Loneliness is a very powerful emotion which may lead to depression, illness, even suicide.
Loneliness and aloneness are two words, generally used synonymously but Osho points out negative emptiness is loneliness and positive emptiness is aloneness. Both are empty but there is a tremendous difference in quality. How to transform the negative to the positive? What can a person do when he/she feels lonely?
This issue of the online magazine explores the theme of Aloneness and how to transform loneliness to aloneness.
