LEVELS OF LONELINESS

Many people are lonely, some occasionally, some all the time. 

The holidays are especially difficult this way, for all kinds or reasons, not the least of which is the disruption from our normal routine.  We become confused, disoriented after a fashion, which leaves us feeling isolated, depressed. 

This is paradoxical because typically at this time of year we are surrounded by family and friends, every reason to not feel alone.  Of course, if we do not like these family and friends particularly but must pretend that we do, this can leave us feeling all alone, too.

This, though, is surface loneliness, the loneliness of the "I," "me," "mine," "my story" person, the egoic self.

For there are levels of loneliness, like levels of a parking garage, that we need an "elevator" to penetrate, to see what is really the matter.

Taking a hard look we get to what can be called our core loneliness, where the real trouble rests.  Our core loneliness is spiritual loneliness.  In Vedanta, it is the longing of the Atman for its source, the Brahman. 

We can always excuse ourselves, get up from the dinner table, and leave the party, if we are feeling out of sorts.  But with spiritual loneliness it is more difficult even as the solution is profound.