"The completeness of self is found when we can be alone and when we can bring all of who we are to another, receiving and being fully received."  Oriah Mountain Dreamer, The Invitation.

I think sometimes we don't spend time alone to know ourselves. I am not talking about reading a book or watching TV or checking our laptop or iPhone or even meditating. I am talking about being alone with our self...spending time away from the doing of life and time away from talking and planning and busyness. I am talking about time with our self...disengaged from the world and in our own company. 

Have you ever been there?  Some have been there on a silent retreat...when even as you prepare your lunch you are silent. Some live alone and have time available...when they don't fill it with busyness. Others find it almost impossible to find a time when no one else is present. It can be an amazing experience to be alone and aware of all that is around you and then to come back to your own self...to become aware of your body, your thoughts, your heart...to be aware of your own company.

 It is a time you can become aware of your triumphs and failures, your quirks and challenges, your ideas about life, your spiritual growth and maturity...and you can become aware of how you feel about your self. Do you like who you are? Are you satisfied with your own company? Is it comfortable to be alone with only your self?

If you can be satisfied with your own self...the good, the bad and the ugly so to speak...then you are in a position to really be present to another. Fully knowing your self allows you to share the richness that you are without making excuses for your own imperfections. You can be the best you've come here to be...and be satisfied.

Peace always

Paula