We are all aware of the word, loneliness. It is something which terrifies many of us. Why do we feel alone? Is it because we have nobody to speak to? Is it because we have no companion? Is it because we are not close to our family? Is it because we have no family? Is it because we do not have faith in ourselves?

Are we ever really alone? The answer is No. Our soul is within us always. Our breath is with us always. Our thoughts are a constant? Then what is happening to us?

Do we pause and listen to our breath and then become aware of our subtle breath. It is important to befriend our breath. Because by doing this, we are quietening our thoughts. Once the chatter and threats of the thought’s mafia is reduced, we accept many events and experiences as a part of our ongoing life. Are awareness increases and we do not react to similar traumas or allow the old trauma to influence our thinking.

What the Gurus say

All Gurus say that by attending satsang, which means being in good company, we do not feel isolated or alone. The principle remains the same, we listen and sing. The words have a powerful meaning and they influence us.

Let a man lift himself by his own self alone. – Bhagwad Gita (6:5)

It states that the mind can be both, a friend and an enemy. So again, we have to address our thoughts and by neutralizing them, our consciousness will be awakened.

Solitude is a characteristic of knowledge. – Bhagwad Gita (13:11)

Solitude gives one space to understand what one is experiencing.

The subject of loneliness is very real. Loneliness is experienced in many forms. It is defined as having constant and unrelenting feelings of being alone, separated or divided from others and an inability to connect on a deeper level. It can also be accompanied by feelings of self-doubt, low self-esteem, or social anxiety.

The description is real and I will not deny that there have been times, when I have also experienced loneliness. A personal tip is to listen to the chants. One may not understand the words but since they are worded in spiritual and healing Sanskrit, they offer blessings, freedom from fear and implying protection. Like so listening to the Choir or hymns.

Connecting to inner self

Now the second part is that there are some other things we must do. Join a Yoga class. It is possible to join an online class, if one lives in a place where there are no classes or the class is far away. There are certain sadhanas one can practice. First of all, one starts with breath awareness, then Samvrit pranayama. Drawing the Sri Yantra and coloring it, while repeating mentally Aim Hrim Klim, is a sure proof method of connecting to one’s inner self.

Breath Awareness is being aware of one’s breath. Then counting the inhalations and exhalations. One counts backwards and it is 27 in and 27 out. No errors are to be made, because then one has to start from the beginning. One can increase the number by 54 or 108.

Understanding solitude

Samvrit pranayama is inhaling to the count of five, pausing to the count of five, holding the breath to the count of five, exhaling to the count of five, pausing without breathing to the count of 5. Again either 27 or 54 breaths, counting backwards. After a while inclusion of ujjayi pranayama (contracting the epiglottis while holding the breath and releasing the contraction, when exhaling) and the mantra So Ham. Our prana, our subtle breath is balanced with Samvrit pranayama.

It is amazing as to how beneficial these three sadhanas are for making one self-appreciative, self-aware and being free from loneliness. One’s loneliness is converted into understanding solitude and recognizing the Divinity within.

Aim Hrim Klim

Title photo by Milan Popovic on Unsplash
Yantra Image by Eric Dez on Pixabay