Standing alone in a vast sea. Or Ocean, as it happens where I snapped this picture years ago along Washington’s Coast when I had joined a hiking group. There is such a raw beauty in this photograph. There was a chilly nip in the air, we had hiked two hours over rough terrain, just to get here. We each packed a lunch and sat on driftwood or boulders, enjoying nature. Together, yet alone.
Aloneness is becoming more and more frequent the more and more gadgets, gizmos and technology we have. Have you ever gone to a coffee cafe or bookstore these days? People are sitting alone at tables, netbooks/tablets/ereaders propped up in front of them with ear buds plugged simultaneously into their ears and music players. What more can they do to say “leave me alone”? They congregate in public spaces only to be alone.
People have a genetic need to be around others. Man wasn’t meant to be alone or to live alone. We’re social creatures by nature. We, as a group or species, like to look at other people, communicate with others. Touch is another important communication tool that feels lost today. Handshakes, quick hugs, friendly slaps on the arm seem to be disappearing. Common courtesy also seems to be a dying venue as well.
We can’t do this alone. We need others for our mental health and physical fitness.
Brick ONeil 