Representation

Loneliness is endemic in humanity these days.  Not all the time but, doctors, public health experts and sociologists say, too much for a healthy society.  (Drugs are a particularly desperate and dangerous attempt at escape.)

Loneliness is a better friend than bodyguard.  By that I mean that if we grow to be ourselves while lonely - if we accept occasional loneliness as part of Life; if we can say, "Ah, loneliness! There you are! What shall we do today?" - that's much better than feeling so sad and sorry for ourselves that we distance ourselves from the cure - relationships and shared spirit and vulnerability with other people.

A bit like the common fear of public speaking, it is common - even natural when we feel alone - to want other people to go first - to initiate a conversation, to revive a relationship, to be vulnerable or go out of their way to be kind.

When we are conscious of our present and vital agency - when we are conscious of representing someone or something of great value to us, be it a set of principles or beliefs, our life partner, children or larger family, our community, or the Spirit of Life, of Grace itself, however named - we can experience that we are not alone.  We can experience that there is a reservoir of energy available to us to take initiative in kindness, care, stewardship and joy.  

And so I invite you to ask: Who, or What, do I represent, or at least do my best to represent?