comfortable with ourselves

'the worst loneliness is not to be comfortable with yourself'

To be alone is not necessarily to be lonely. We may feel lonely even within our relationships if we are not comfortable with ourselves.

When we take time for solitude, we can grow in our ability to feel comfortable in our own skin. Like any skill, this takes practice.

Sometimes, when we're not happy with ourselves, we look to other people to fill our time and keep us entertained.

There is rich contentment that comes from a self-accepting solitude.

We take that contentment with us when we return to our relationships with others. It brightens and energizes all our interactions.

So please take time to practice solitude, to learn to be comfortable alone as well as in your relationships.

thought for others

' Be unselfish....if you think of yourself only, you cannot develop because you are choking the source of development, which is spiritual expansion through thought for others.'

If self-awareness is an integral part of spiritual development, awareness of others is its close companion. They balance each other and propel us forward.

Too focused on ourselves, we can grow miserable operating with only our own energy and insight.

Too focused on others, we grow codependent, needing them to give us identity.

We grow by balancing our own needs with those of others. We take care of ourselves, but live a rich life of service and love.

If I get too focused on myself, I start to feel drained, even when I'm not
giving much. Maybe the best thing I can do is a small caring act for someone else. It might make their day, and it will help me get out of my own rut.