No one ever said that the path to enlightenment would be easy. Although reaching that goal will be the most rewarding thing you ever do, getting there is tough. Likewise, once you achieve it, you may find that you don’t feel the sense of resolution that you craved since you may miss having a goal. That can lead to a lot of intense, negative emotions.
If you want to become truly enlightened, it’s important to be prepared for what may come along with it. These are 5 types of loneliness that can occur on the path to enlightenment.
1. Contentment
When we think of the word “content,” we generally think of something positive. We think of it as a state of being without sadness, anger, or fear. However, contentment can sometimes feel less than ideal. Although it may not be a stressful state of mind, it’s also a time where you may feel like you don’t have anything to work towards. Sadly, this can lead you to feel isolated and lost.
2. Avoiding Unnecessary Activities
Certain kinds of loneliness can make you seek out something to fill the void. You can become desperate for any kind of activity that may keep your mind busy for a while. This kind of loneliness is different, however. It’s one where you learn to accept silence for a while and to allow yourself to have time away from everything.
3. Lacking Desire
They say that our desires are what keep us from growing. When we want too much, we can lose sight of what’s really important in life. Despite that, having desires gives people a problem that they can solve. That idea that you can resolve something fuels you and distracts you. When you learn to let go of your selfish longings, it can bring you right back to that feeling of emptiness that you may have felt before.
4. Being Lost in Thought
Everyone has different fears. Some may be afraid of spiders, others of heights. One thing that many of us have in common is a fear of being alone with our thoughts. Since your mind can feel like a lonely and chaotic place, it’s easier to distract yourself from it instead of facing it. However, when you seek out enlightenment, you need to face the scary world that is your own mind.
5. Becoming Disciplined
When you achieve complete discipline of yourself, you’re in the driver’s seat. You’re able to say no to any temptations that may come your way. Likewise, you know when to say that enough is enough. That discipline, although good, can take you away from the external pleasures that you’re used to. As a result, you could feel like you’re completely taken away from everything and everyone.
It’s time that we stop viewing loneliness as something negative. In fact, the feeling of being alone can actually be a positive thing. It can mean that you’ve reached a stage of enlightenment where you no longer need external sources to distract you from the truth. Once you push past the desire to revert back to your old, comfortable ways, you’ll see that this is actually a positive feeling and an important part of your journey.
Share this article with your friends and family to spread awareness about the feelings of loneliness that can come along with enlightenment.
