Alone With Oneself
17 April 2007
This blog is dedicated to African American poet, Otis O’Solomon.
I heard Otis speak recently. He read from one of his poems titled Honesty Poem and I thought it beautiful, touching, and insightful. Here is an excerpt:
Although
I am alone a lot
it’s not a lot of loneliness
but I will admit
I want and need a man
A man who understands
what loving, sharing and caring
is all about
or if he does not know
at least be willing to learn
And until I find
the type of man
I want and need
I’d rather live without
than be a victim of love abuse
and have my heart turned inside out
Filling lonely space with things in the outer world whether it’s an unsatisfying relationship or unnecessary activity and busyness serves only to temporarily fill an inner emptiness while also alienating one from the Self.
Every woman needs to develop a relationship with her Self before she can have a satisfying relationship with another, whether man, woman, friends or family.
And developing a relationship with the Self means spending time on one’s own in silent communion with one’s inner world.
Although the prospect of being alone is an uncomfortable and unpleasant one for many -particularly single girls - Otis wisely notes that the alternative is even less appealing.
Despite this, if you are still disturbed by the idea of spending time alone, ask yourself this: If I cannot be with my Self, if I cannot sit in stillness and delight in my own company, can I expect to be fully present and content in the presence of other?
Loving and caring for the Self has to come first; intimately connecting and coming to know thy Self paves the way for real intimacy and heart connections filled with joy.
