Look around you. Right now, how much distance is between you and the nearest person? Could you reach out and touch them?
Okay, now how much do you know about that person? How much distance is between you as people? Can you measure the solipsistic gulf – and are you happy with that distance?
I’m surrounded by people, but I haven’t said hello to anyone in days.
Right now the gulf is massive. There is a sense of un-worth that stops me from interacting. Like great grey walls that block all sight and muffle all sound.
There’s not much I can do. Being alone is hard. But reaching out is harder. Talking is harder.
However, there is power in this knowledge. I know from experience that this grey gulf is real. It is happening right now. But it is also as insubstantial as and fleeting as mist on a sunny day.
And the best thing is that I don’t have to do anything. The passing of time will take care of it. I just need to give myself space. Give myself permission to be alone, and soon enough I can reach out and – metaphorically – touch people once again.