On Play and Loneliness

Hammond Pond Reservation: My favorite close to home natural playground.

From an article by Jon Yuen [emphasis mine]:

"Audrey, like so many other graceful performers, dancers and movers I personally appreciate seem to have something fairy-like in common:
They're alone, but never lonely. 

They relate to their audience, not by actively reaching out to them, but by inviting them to be a part of whatever they're doing and experiencing. They do not have time to demand, ask for or anticipate attention - it's clear that they're too busy with the process of creating something they think is worthy of attention, even if it's just their own. 

They're in a moment in which there's little room to consider much else than what they're unravelling. 

It doesn't matter if this is happening on stage or on social media - this makes the performer seem very much alone, but also so much in the company of their own experience that it curiously enough seems impossible for them to be lonely."  

 

Loneliness is a regular companion for me, as I know is the case for countless others. 

And...

in the midst of that there are times when curiosity and play leave no room for loneliness.

Whether I'm fully present on a walk, moving around in my apartment, or scrambling on rocks alone in the woods, my own attention and care (read: love), when present, have the power to be enough, even if for only a moment.

A constant reminder on my whiteboard.
Bird and flower drawing by Kelsey Smith.

Does any of this resonate with you? Are there things you find helpful for being alone and not lonely? For experiencing play? 

Feel free to share your thoughts via email or in the comments below.