This piece truly resonated with me, especially the distinction between solitude and loneliness. I've often found solace and clarity in solitude – those quiet moments spent reading, writing, or simply reflecting have been essential for my personal growth. But, like you, I've also experienced the stark contrast of feeling profoundly lonely in a relationship where true connection was absent. It's a poignant reminder that we can be surrounded by people and still feel isolated, while solitude can offer a space for deep introspection and self-discovery.
Yes, that is basically a beautiful summary of what I was trying to say. Here is to many inspiring solitary moments that are not lonely. Thank you Alexander!
Imola, I nodded my head in recognition throughout so much of this essay. I too have cherished my solitude that was the unexpected gift of my late-in-life divorce and oh, do I know of the loneliness within an unhappy marriage. And like you, I am divorced, fiercely independent and a hopeless romantic. It’s not in my DNA to give up on love, romantic love. I just hope it finds its way to me. I had hoped to be at my ‘juiciest’ in so many ways at this start of a new life in Barcelona. Instead I am carrying more extra weight than ever before despite a healthy diet, and I have just discovered through a sudden low back injury that I have a severe spinal misalignment and am having to skip a planned trip to Peru, Machu Picchu & Chile with my daughter & Chilean partner (a heartbreak & bodily wakeup call I wrote about today in ‘Living in 3D.’ So I do not feel juicy. I feel worn out and suddenly, distressingly, my age of 64. So it seems more love must be directed from me towards this body I’ve been abusing with overwork, caregiving & a sedentary lifestyle. That’s where I am radiating the love today. And thanks for the Rilke. Love his wisdom.
Oh Amy, there is so much I could say here about this. À whole essay about how to love our bodies as we age. I feel your pain regarding the missed trip. I understand. I so wish you could be part of my yoga group here in Montreal where every week we focus so much on healing and empowering our bodies. I’m going to try and do something on line. It’s not the same as in person but better than nothing. And it’s the most important work. And work im so passionate about! But I will say this for now: when I see your pictures with your daughters I don’t see extra pounds and back pain. I see a STUNNING woman, radiating light! Trust yourself Amy! You are on the right path, even if you are forced to take detours. Much love to you.
Thank you for this. I feel like you’ve beautifully articulated something I’ve been trying to explain to my partner, yet have been failing to find the words for. This helps so much. ❤️
Incredible reflection of Rilke. Strange, we must be on the same wavelength because I could not get him out of my mind earlier this week. Excited for love, for both of us.
Oh, friend, this gutted me in a good way and on so many levels.
It's interesting to me that you're the second Substack writer whose essay I read today that mentioned Rilke. I love his LETTERS TO A YOUNG POET and am thinking I need to revisit it after I finish Jane Kenyon's collected works.
Here's another point of synchronicity: I wrote an essay last year with the title "Solitude is the antidote to loneliness." It's almost exactly, in a philosophical way, akin to your message today. Yet another reason I feel a growing fondness and kinship with you.
I must read that essay Jeannie! I am sold already on the title! How interesting that we keep exploring the same themes/ challenges! Grateful to be on this ride that is life with you!
This piece truly resonated with me, especially the distinction between solitude and loneliness. I've often found solace and clarity in solitude – those quiet moments spent reading, writing, or simply reflecting have been essential for my personal growth. But, like you, I've also experienced the stark contrast of feeling profoundly lonely in a relationship where true connection was absent. It's a poignant reminder that we can be surrounded by people and still feel isolated, while solitude can offer a space for deep introspection and self-discovery.
Yes, that is basically a beautiful summary of what I was trying to say. Here is to many inspiring solitary moments that are not lonely. Thank you Alexander!
Rainer Maria!!!! Every. Single. Time. Deepest truth and Wahrheit🙏🏻💕
Imola, I nodded my head in recognition throughout so much of this essay. I too have cherished my solitude that was the unexpected gift of my late-in-life divorce and oh, do I know of the loneliness within an unhappy marriage. And like you, I am divorced, fiercely independent and a hopeless romantic. It’s not in my DNA to give up on love, romantic love. I just hope it finds its way to me. I had hoped to be at my ‘juiciest’ in so many ways at this start of a new life in Barcelona. Instead I am carrying more extra weight than ever before despite a healthy diet, and I have just discovered through a sudden low back injury that I have a severe spinal misalignment and am having to skip a planned trip to Peru, Machu Picchu & Chile with my daughter & Chilean partner (a heartbreak & bodily wakeup call I wrote about today in ‘Living in 3D.’ So I do not feel juicy. I feel worn out and suddenly, distressingly, my age of 64. So it seems more love must be directed from me towards this body I’ve been abusing with overwork, caregiving & a sedentary lifestyle. That’s where I am radiating the love today. And thanks for the Rilke. Love his wisdom.
Oh Amy, there is so much I could say here about this. À whole essay about how to love our bodies as we age. I feel your pain regarding the missed trip. I understand. I so wish you could be part of my yoga group here in Montreal where every week we focus so much on healing and empowering our bodies. I’m going to try and do something on line. It’s not the same as in person but better than nothing. And it’s the most important work. And work im so passionate about! But I will say this for now: when I see your pictures with your daughters I don’t see extra pounds and back pain. I see a STUNNING woman, radiating light! Trust yourself Amy! You are on the right path, even if you are forced to take detours. Much love to you.
Thank you for this. I feel like you’ve beautifully articulated something I’ve been trying to explain to my partner, yet have been failing to find the words for. This helps so much. ❤️
Oh, so happy to hear Jodi! Share Rilke’s words with him? And a walk soon? Big hug. Keep the poetry going!
Incredible reflection of Rilke. Strange, we must be on the same wavelength because I could not get him out of my mind earlier this week. Excited for love, for both of us.
But of course we are connected!
Oh, friend, this gutted me in a good way and on so many levels.
It's interesting to me that you're the second Substack writer whose essay I read today that mentioned Rilke. I love his LETTERS TO A YOUNG POET and am thinking I need to revisit it after I finish Jane Kenyon's collected works.
Here's another point of synchronicity: I wrote an essay last year with the title "Solitude is the antidote to loneliness." It's almost exactly, in a philosophical way, akin to your message today. Yet another reason I feel a growing fondness and kinship with you.
I must read that essay Jeannie! I am sold already on the title! How interesting that we keep exploring the same themes/ challenges! Grateful to be on this ride that is life with you!
Here is it @Imola :
https://jeannieewing.substack.com/p/the-antidote-to-loneliness-is-solitude
It turns out, I have read it and even commented in length! :) But I’m glad I have read it again! I needed the reminder
HAHAHA how did I forget that? :)