One Is the Loneliest Loveliest Number

by Vanessa Cayle

We hear it from our children, our family, ourselves… “I don’t want to be alone.”

Where does this deep-rooted desire arise from?  For my personal journey, this seems to have been ingrained in my childhood psyche…this longing and need to “not be alone.”  The underlying message:  that to be alone is to be lackingsomething.  Yet being alone offers us the greatest opportunity to connect to our most important person…ourselves. 

It is in these moments of aloneness that we are afforded the gift of connecting to ourselves…it is here where we can explore our dreams, hopes, plans, our journey.  Or you can plan your shopping list…the possibilities are limitless!  Yet the power of the choice is solely yours. 

Each and every weekend I schedule some “alone time.”  This is my time to collect my thoughts from the busy week…reflect on events that I lacked the time to previously…but most importantly it is my time to do a check inof how I feel.  I don’t do a quick scan…I am worth more effort than that!  (and so are you)!

I check in with the Oneness that is ME.

• How am I feeling on a physical level?  Did I treat my physical body well this week; with diet, exercise or do I need to focus on this a bit more next week? 
• How am I feeling on an emotional level?  Did I handle the stress of the week the way that I wanted?  Did my relationships flourish or struggle this week?  Did I speak from my heart, or did I hold back something out of fear or insecurity?
• How am I feeling on a spiritual level?  Did I act in such ways to bring me closer to my purpose…or farther?  Did I demonstrate gratitude?  Did I connect to higher self/God/Universe each and every day…hour…moment? 
• Most importantly I ask myself these questions from a non-judging place.  The goal is to check in with myself…not beat myself up.  My goal is always to assess in order to make changes the next week that allow me to live closer to the life I want to live.  I always end my check in with a reflection on all the good things I did for myself and others throughout the week…like a big bear hug to myself!

This alone time allows me to embrace and love ME.  This is so important to me in being able to embrace and love those around me.  I have found that when I allow myself the opportunity to connect with ME…all of my connections are more fulfilling and joyful…from my spouse and children…to my workmates and the clerk at the grocery store. 

Take the time…make the time…to connect and love yourself…

ONE really is the Loveliest Number!

© 2009 Vanessa Cayle

Vanessa Cayle, MSPT is a physical therapist and owner/director of the CranioSacral Institute of MI, LLC.  She teaches and presents craniosacral therapy and Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM).  She actively treats clients, teaches, lectures and oversees numerous wellness-focused groups at her Shelby Twp. office and abroad.