[blockquote source=”Thích Nhất Hạnh”]“The most precious gift we can offer anyone is our attention. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.” [/blockquote]

In his book, The Art of Communicating, Thích Nhất Hạnh offers, ‘Loneliness is the suffering of our time. Even if we’re surrounded by others, we can feel very alone. We are lonely together.’

How sad, that in an age where technology is intended to bring us closer, sadly – we couldn’t be further apart. We have the internet, email, telephone and video conferencing; there are applications designed to live track our status, provide updates at a moments notice. And yet, we are missing the most vital component of our communication – that is, to establish a much deeper connection.

When I was a little girl my father used to say, “Look me in the eyes when I talk to you. I want to see your heart smile.” I’m reminded of those words each time I walk down a busy street, or enter into a crowded room. I scan faces, hopeful for connection. I want to know the hearts of all human beings.

Though, inevitably I find that I’m frequently disappointed – disappointed by how quickly others turn away. I watch as expressions shift into restlessness. One glance from a stranger, and we become so desperately exposed. Ripped away from the ‘buffer zone’ of our own solitude, we seek refuge within the buzzing drone of our electronic devices.

So much so, that it begs the question: why are we so afraid of connection?

Thích Nhất Hạnh once said, that the greatest gift we could ever give to someone is the gift of our presence. That something as simple as a smile in an unexpected moment might have the capacity to completely transform our state of being. And yet, we seem so unwilling to accept the loving-kindness of strangers. Perhaps, we may feel we don’t really deserve it.

Oh…but, my darlings, who else could be more deserving?

Loneliness has such a palpable tenderness about it. It’s terrifying to think that we may be alone in this Universe. But, we are never really alone, my darlings – we are merely hiding behind the fortress of our own fear.

Perhaps, then, in lieu of running away from our loneliness – we might learn to keep it warm instead?

[blockquote]

“I hold my face in my two hands.
No, I am not crying.
I hold my face in my two hands
to keep the loneliness warm –
two hands protecting,
two hands nourishing,
two hands preventing
my soul from leaving me
in anger.”

[/blockquote]