Comments on: Loneliness and “daily maintenance”

By: Lynn

Lynn — Tue, 24 May 2011 21:38:10 +0000

I was just thinking about the environments throughout my life where I’ve felt the most “at ease” in terms of relating (or not relating as the case may be). And oddly enough it tends to be, for me, institutions. Places where everyone kinda HAS to be. So for me in the past it’s been school, then work, then sadly a few rehabs (for depression and anxiety). And the thoughts behind it is “I’m not here for you and you’re not here for me, so no pressure. But as long as we’re both here we might as well get to know each other”. Sorry, this is a bit of a digression from the topic of Daily Maintenance. Still struggling with that one.

By: DJ

DJ — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 09:16:01 +0000

I too like the idea of daily maintenance. Given that lonely people don’t have 100% control over resolving the situation it is important that we do find activities and practices we enjoy to fill our lives. This is something within our control. Even if we continue to feel some extent of loneliness at least our minds are occupied with other things and thus less likely to become depressed.

By: Natalie

Natalie — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 16:06:48 +0000

have to say, I like the phrase, I can see the logic (if such a word about an emotion can be used.) I have integrated my life, albeit slowly, with new activities, gym the primary contender. I want to combat this loneliness, more than anything, but I can’t seem to get past a certain point of pushing myself just a little bit further, particularly when getting to know new people, feel like I’m in catch-22. have to say, any comments/suggestions would be appreciated.

By: Emily

Emily — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 22:29:28 +0000

I like the idea of having a thread of experience that carries you through the day. Sounds like an ideal response to the distraction and anxiety loneliness can cue. Thank you for your thoughts.

By: Julie

Julie — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 19:44:51 +0000

I have found that a regular yoga practice gives me my “daily maintenance”. I use classes or retreats to practice kirtan (singing), meditation and physical postures. I agree that being with people without having to interact makes classes and retreats ideal. On a daily basis I maintain a breathing practice (pranayama) with meditation. I also have a daily physical (asana) practice. These practices carry me through until the next class or retreat. A thread of connection that runs through every day.

By: Emily

Emily — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:28:32 +0000

I love the notion of being with people without having to interact. That, for me, is often ideal for my loneliness. The trouble is that it’s a not a situation that comes up very often.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 17:22:32 +0000

I find going on meditation retreats a good thing for my eternal loneliness. the experience of being with people, of having the day mapped out and of not having to relate but to simply be with what is inside myself is very soothing. Although i find it hard to maintain a practice outside of the retreat and I’m not able to live like a monk. In a possibly ironic way I think a lot of my loneliness comes from an acute sensitivity to other people which i don’t feel others have toward me.