The Window

I only become efficient when I sit at a singular desk, away from all windows. Desks offer a bland, wooden view that is impossible to find remotely interesting while windows offer more than enough opportunity to drift away into a dream.

My window could look out into a busy street with students scurrying to their classes and cars traveling every which way. I stare at chaos in every direction and commence on one of my favorite pastimes: people watching. Some are strolling in a stress-free fashion, their arms swaying and legs moving at a slow speed. Some run to catch the bus that is beginning to inch off onto the road. Some walk with friends and are engaged in a conversation soon to end by their changes in direction. The last kind of person I see are those who walk alone, shoulders stiff and heads pointed at a downward angle, no near destination in sight.

I wonder if these loners are happy walking without anyone else. They usually wear headphones and wear a blank, straight face but their expressions are expected. The word “lonely” tends to take on a negative connotation in our society.

But in reality loneliness is not rare. Negative feelings are never discussed so no one knows just how lonely the people in our society really are.

Loneliness and sadness can occur simultaneously but you do not have to let loneliness associate itself with sadness every time you feel this way. Positive feelings can come out of being alone. I certainly am happy walking alone; I embrace the time I have to think and reflect on what insight and new knowledge that were received that day.

Surrounding yourself with peers from hour to hour can take away from what you have to offer. Rid your mind of gossip and rumors: unnecessary information. Extract useful knowledge and study it. Fulfill your own potential. Take a leap of faith to be different and design your thoughts to be unique.

Being alone opens a whole new window of opportunity, for my window looks not into the outside world but into just the opposite. Embrace loneliness and be one with your thoughts. Make peace with loneliness, and only then, will you make peace with yourself.