People often think that being alone equals to being lonely too but there is a big difference between the two. You can be alone and feel happy and also be surrounded with many people but feel lonely. Being alone is more of a physical situation while being lonely is more of an emotional state.
The feeling of loneliness usually starts to creep in when you feel detached or disconnected from the things or people around you or even from your own self.
So how can you successfully practice being alone but not lonely?
Always try something new
I am sure you have a list of things on on your bucket list that you are itching to do but kept postponing. Whether it’s painting a picture, learning to do crochet or learning to play an instrument, new experience helps you feel engaged and connected so although you may do certain things alone, you still feel that sense of fulfilment and joy and begin to understand that being alone sometimes can be rewarding.
Start a personal project
There are a lot of do-it-yourself projects that you can try on your own so explore your creative side and start planning your personal project. It could be a short term one, which you can finish in a few hours or a day, such as rearranging your room or your workspace… OR it could be a long term one, such as becoming a minimalist and decluttering your entire house. Sometimes starting off a project could really propel you into taking on some life-changing actions in life.
Read a book
Reading a good book is another activity which you can do alone but leaves you feeling engaged and connected. A good book can take you to places and different adventures. Once you become too focused and engrossed there is no room to think about the state of loneliness anymore.
Be with nature
There is a phrase that we always hear: “Nature heals!” and it’s true. Being alone with nature forces you to pay close attention to the little things in your surroundings, which will make you realise that there’s beauty all around if you only try to look for them. My favourite activity is watching the sunset. For me it is like a treat at the end of the day from mother nature after a long day at work. Watching the sunset also reminds me that no matter what happened throughout the day, you can always end it beautifully.
Garland of Light 