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Monday, 30 September 2024
Enjoying our Aloneness means We’ve got this Life Thing Figured Out.
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{*Did you know you can write on Elephant? Here’s how—big changes: How to Write & Make Money or at least Be of Benefit on Elephant. ~ Waylon}
I often find myself pondering some pretty deep stuff:
What does it mean to love and be loved? What’s the difference between feeling lonely and just being alone? And, perhaps most importantly, why am I so darn happy in my own company?
Deep thoughts, I know. Welcome to my world.
When I start going down the rabbit hole, one famous saying always pops into my mind: “If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?” Now, hold that thought—because life can feel a bit like that sometimes.
Imagine, if you will, the vast landscape of our experiences as we navigate the wild ride of life.
In our high moments, we yearn for someone to high-five us, to pop the champagne and say, “You did it!” And in the low moments, well, a comforting presence wouldn’t hurt—maybe even someone to say, “Hey, I’ve been there too, and guess what? You’ll survive.”
Having someone in our life is like having a built-in cheerleader and therapist rolled into one. They reflect back our best (and occasionally worst) selves, remind us that we’re pretty awesome, and sometimes nudge us to dive deeper into the murky waters of our own souls. With them, we face our fears, challenge our insecurities, and laugh at our quirks. It’s through these bonds that we sometimes do things we never thought possible—like putting pants on before noon on a Sunday.
But let’s not forget the joys of being your own best company. (And maybe enjoying it a little too much…) Being happy alone is not just okay—it’s fantastic! In fact, being content in your own company is a sign that you’ve got this whole life thing somewhat figured out.
People often confuse solitude with loneliness, but they’re as different as night and day.
Loneliness is the unwelcome guest who overstays their welcome, while solitude is like a cozy night in with your favorite book, a glass of wine, and the knowledge that no one is going to judge your pajama choices. When you embrace solitude, you connect with yourself on a deeper level, free from the noise and demands of the outside world. It’s just you, your thoughts, and maybe that extra slice of pizza no one’s around to see you eat.
Being content in your own company means you’re emotionally mature and self-sufficient. It’s a natural and healthy state where you can live authentically, make decisions that are truly yours, and find peace—no matter what life throws at you. Sure, balancing solitude with a social life is key, but mastering the art of hanging out with yourself is like finding life’s secret cheat code.
We are complex creatures, and our emotions can be a little messy. But hey, that’s part of the fun, right? We’re all doing our best to navigate the ups and downs of life. So, remember to challenge yourself when needed and be gentle when it’s time to take it easy. After all, who better to take care of you than…you?
~
To Thank or Not to Thank: Rethinking the Power of Gratitude.
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{*Did you know you can write on Elephant? Here’s how—big changes: How to Write & Make Money or at least Be of Benefit on Elephant. ~ Waylon}
~
Some time ago, I encountered a perspective that puzzled and intrigued me.
Someone close to me by relationship but not a best friend or anything of that sort—casually mentioned that they don’t believe in saying thank you. Whether they’re treated to a meal, receive a gift, or even when someone goes out of their way to help them, they simply don’t feel the need to express gratitude. To them, it’s just unnecessary. When I asked this person why, they couldn’t explain the reasons that made sense to me. They shrugged it off as if my question was unimportant.
This mindset felt almost alien for someone like me, who believes deeply in the power of gratitude and says thank you to the universe every day just for being alive.
This got me thinking: did this person have a point? Is there any merit in not saying thank you? In a world where gratitude is often hailed as a cornerstone of happiness and well-being, could there be a case for simply not bothering with those two little words?
I went down the proverbial internet rabbit hole to find out more and came up with this.
The Case for Gratitude: Why We Say Thank You
So—gratitude has long been celebrated as a key to a happier life. The act of saying thank you isn’t just polite—it’s a social glue that binds us together. Psychologists have found that expressing gratitude can lead to stronger relationships, increased happiness, and even better health. When we thank someone, it’s a way of acknowledging their efforts and reinforcing positive behavior. It’s no wonder that gratitude practices, like keeping a gratitude journal or simply counting your blessings, have become so popular. They remind us to focus on the good in our lives, which can shift our mindset from scarcity to abundance. It also makes us feel a deep sense of peace within us.
Thanking someone also helps in building and maintaining relationships. It’s a simple way of showing appreciation and respect, which fosters trust and mutual respect. In a way, saying thank you is not just about acknowledging a favor or a kind gesture; it’s about recognizing the person behind it. It’s a way of saying, “I see you, and I appreciate you.”
The Other Side: Why Some People Don’t Say Thank You
That brought me to the other perspective. What if you don’t say thank you? What if you believe, like this person I know, that it’s just not necessary? When I dug deep, I found that there could be several reasons behind this mindset. For some, it might be about authenticity. They might feel that saying thank you has become too automatic, almost like a reflex, and that it’s lost its meaning. By not saying it, they’re avoiding what they see as an empty gesture, opting instead to show their appreciation through actions rather than words.
There’s also the possibility that some people don’t want to feel indebted. Saying thank you might imply a sense of obligation or a need to reciprocate, which they’d rather avoid. Or perhaps they believe that gratitude should be reserved for truly significant gestures, not just for every small act of kindness. This mindset challenges the idea that politeness and gratitude are always necessary, suggesting that there might be a deeper, more authentic way to express appreciation.
So…Is There a Downside to Saying Thank You?
It might seem counterintuitive, but I wondered if there could actually be a downside to saying thank you? Some argue that in a world where we’re constantly urged to be grateful, we might end up expressing gratitude more out of habit than genuine feeling. This could potentially dilute the impact of those words, turning what should be a heartfelt expression into a hollow formality.
Moreover, constantly saying thank you could foster a sense of dependency or expectation. If we’re always thanking people for every little thing, do we risk creating a culture where people expect to be praised for basic decency? Could it lead to a situation where people feel entitled to gratitude rather than acting out of a genuine desire to help?
A Balanced View: Does It Really Matter?
Bottom line, though. Does it really matter if someone chooses not to say thank you? Maybe, maybe not. Gratitude can be expressed in many forms, not just through words. A heartfelt gesture, a return of kindness, or simply being there for someone in their time of need can all be powerful expressions of gratitude without a single word being spoken.
On the other hand, at least for me, there’s something undeniably special and life-affirming about those two words. They’re simple, but they carry weight. They have the power to brighten someone’s day, to make them feel seen and appreciated. I know I feel deeply appreciated when someone thanks me when I have genuinely done something to lighten the heavy weight of life for at least a moment. And while not saying thank you might be a valid choice for some, it’s also worth considering what we might lose by letting those words go unspoken.
My Personal Takeaway
As someone who values gratitude deeply, this perspective has made me reflect on my own practices. While I still believe in the power of saying thank you, and will always say those two words, I also recognize now that gratitude is more than just words. It’s about the intention behind those words and the actions that follow.
So, while I will continue to say thank you for the little and big things, I’ll also pay more attention to how I show my appreciation in other ways. Because at the end of the day, whether we say it out loud or express it through our actions, what matters most is that we truly mean it.
What about you? Do you believe in the power of thank you, or do you think there are other, perhaps deeper, ways to show gratitude? It’s a conversation worth having, especially in a world that often takes these small but significant words for granted.
~
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The Song of the Soul (KB)
Karen Berg
September 29, 2024
This article is also available in: español | Deutsch | Português Brasileiro | italiano | עברית | français
This article on the portion of the week was previously published in 2018.
Music is a universal language. It transcends all limitations and makes its way into our hearts regardless of any barriers in how we communicate. A beautiful song has a way of placing a smile on just about anyone’s face. Music seems to be sent from a higher realm where only the Light of the Creator and His love exists. It is the energy of the angels and the energy of the Light. The Creator’s love is like a beautiful melody that can be heard and felt by the entire world. It is the beautiful song of the Divine for all to listen, enjoy, and partake in. It plays every second, every moment, every day, seeking its way to a new ear. This week, the song of Heaven plays throughout the cosmos. The glory and beauty of the song of Heaven plays for all to hear, purifying us in its great Light. We are taken to a higher ground to unify with the Creator where He sings to us, calling us to unite with Him. His energy engulfs us, creating a shield of great protection. This song from above is in fact the song of our soul. This week, we hear the most beautiful song that we have ever heard. It is the song of Love and reaches the inner most part of our being.
"Music is a universal language."
Our portion and guide this week is Ha’Azinu. It is the last portion of the Bible that is read on Shabbat. Ha’Azinu means “to listen.” It is Moses’ final words to the Israelites, a poem and song from his heart expressing his and the Creator’s love. It may be the pinnacle moment of the Israelites’ journey and even of the entire Bible itself. It stirs and awakens in us our soul’s truest longings to unify and know the Creator. Moses sings praise of His magnitude and benevolence. It is a song of love and recounts the blessings bestowed upon the Israelites. Moses, for the final time, reminds them to not stray from the path of spirituality as negativity can come their way. He reminds them of the troubles they have had to endure because of this. He repeats his warning of the trap of investing their energy in physicality and that it has no power to assist them in their times of need. Only the Creator and spirituality contain the power and protection they seek. Moses pleads to them again to remember that the Creator will always protect them from dangers and adversaries. He is the energy source behind all of life and of healing. It is Moses’ song of redemption and praise for the Light and its love for the Israelites. He asks the Israelites to take this song into their hearts and teach it to their children for it is the song of Life and path to joy and fulfillment. At the end of the portion and when the song is complete, the Creator asks Moses to prepare for his departure from leading the Israelites and even his departure from the physical world. Ha’Azinu is the last request of Moses, but will the Israelites listen? In life, we may hear a message easily, but to listen to it is another matter entirely. Moses sings his song, but will we let its beauty enter our hearts? Will we allow it to help us become new and better people for the coming year?
Physically, the portion of Ha’Azinu is quite unique as it is arranged in columns that resemble the upper and lower portions of the Star of David. The Star or Shield of David contains the energy of protection for the physical world. King David was the chariot of the physical world and he also sang to the Creator praising His love and protection. This song of Moses not only awakens a desire to connect with the Creator, but also acts as a shield of protection for our coming year. It is a surrounding Light that sings to us throughout the year to guide us and help us stay on the path of love and spirituality. It is a song that plays across the universe this week for all to hear, but how many will listen to it? How many will allow its message of love to reach their hearts? Its energy reverberates and echoes throughout the Universe like the great song of Moses. But it is always the matter of who will choose to listen to it and connect to its energy. Who will choose to let the Creator into their hearts? Who will choose to open their hearts and emanate the love we were born to give and that the world so desperately needs? As we seal the gates to the coming year, we ask our souls to not only hear the song of the Creator, but to finally listen to it.
"The song of Heaven plays throughout the cosmos."
This week in your meditations, bring with you your most favorite music. Go to a private place where it can be played. Give yourself the time to enjoy the music and allow it to raise your current mood. Allow it to uplift your consciousness. Feel the joy that builds as you listen to the most beautiful melody. It engulfs your entire being and fills your senses. The music awakens your spirit. The love in your heart builds in your chest chakra. Through the notes and melody, you feel the call to love and know the Creator. Your spirit rejoices in the sound and you become awakened to live life like never before. You are inspired to the path of spirituality. You desire to connect to love and joy in the coming year. You long to walk with the Creator and all of His ways knowing that a positive consciousness creates a positive life. You have heard this beautiful song of the Creator many times before, but this is the year you decide to finally listen.
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