Recently (20/03/2022) I travelled alone to the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. There I walked the Birriagi trail and some other trails just to immerse myself with the wonderful Ngunnawal Country.
As I walked, I felt deja-vu from my backpacking days in Europe - those glorious times. I couldn't stop thinking about how much growth, fulfilment and satisfaction I gained from such endeavours, of venturing in my own company. To savour my thoughts, I recorded this audio.
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I have come across a number of people in my time who believe they are incapable, even anxious, of being alone. To me that is a tragedy. Each day we live, we must interact with our thoughts and beliefs that ring in our minds, our subconscious. Each day we look in the mirror and directly at ourselves - at least we should. Rather than be uncomfortable, we should be comfortable, or at least willing and able to interact. There was a time when I would question that person in the mirror, endlessly criticise, even curse. I was at times unsatisfied with who I was, to the point of self-hatred.
Overcoming such internal conflict took much practice. The key was to familiarise myself with myself: spend time for me and me only; look in the mirror and ask questions; celebrate small wins and ponder the failures; read, listen and study others; grow my intellect, perspective and wisdom. It's not always easy, but it is always worth it. Once we help ourselves, we are better equipped to help others find comfort in their own company.
“Being alone has a power that very few people can handle.” -Steven Aitchison
