Am I a Recluse ???

Hey!! You have simply found what makes you happy, they call you a recluse because for them being happy that way isn't normal (you have to buy things etc to be happy - society gives us a stereotype of happiness).. You don't need to be surrounded by people to feel happy, you are happy with yourself and that kind of pleasure is the most precious gift you could have discovered! Maybe one day your friends will find true happiness by BEING and not by DOING.

Love,

Mariam

Precious Diane,

The way you phrase your own answer to this question sounds like you are happy with the way you are spending your time right now. It sounds like you are aware and grateful of the beauty around you and the ability to be at peace with it and enjoy it.
So that is wonderful, yet my sweet, you are asking yourself the question again 'am I a recluse', is there perhaps something that resonates with that as well somewhere hidden, or is it just that you felt misunderstood by this person?

Perhaps,Diane, this person is totally unaware of all these chocolate kisses you've been exchanging here, there and everywhere. May I suggest you serve this person some of your famous out of this world mouthwatering magical mircaculous chocolate mousse? Perhaps then they'll understand…..

You do what your heart tells you my dear, if it is enjoying sitting in your garden, enjoying the wonders of nature, then that is what you do, if it is mingling a bit more with people in your imediate surroundings, then that is something you can do. It's good to hear what others say but always listen to your own heart for the answers. And I think you've just given yourself the answers already.

Waves of Love dear Sister,
Lucienne

others have already been eloquent enough, just wanted to agree and give you big hugs for most emphatically not being a recluse!

Differences of opinions show the diversity of the world.

“World is a mystery
 if we go on searching we will make history.”  - M. Thangaraj

it is that others should understand me and i should understand others. Thats all. Nothing else. We are given growth and age to grow in understanding. I have understood you Diana come lets also understand the person who said that you were in seclusion.

For me understanding is more important,  we find meaning even in the cry of the child.
 Is it not my dear Diana ?

Wonderful  for this opportunity of sharing our love and thoughts.

Very nice!  see i have started somthing and you have completed !
But people's judgement is not ultimate !
We have to tell the people to give their opinions not judgment. Am i right Diana? Diana did you read my profile and blog as well did you see my photos kindly give me your judgement sorry give me your opinion.
Your loving  -Thangaraj

Oh my dearest sister Diane,

Recluse, you? SO not (that's almost a perjorative when used to describe your radiant fully-alive spirit!).

I would say that you are a contemplative, even as some of our greatest saints and masters were.  Very sensitive, very open-hearted compassionate people, who give sooooo much of themselves that, in order to have balance and center, they need very much to spend time alone – contemplating good, and nature, and the “simple” things (which we always know are the biggest things, filled with riches and joy).  

So contemplatives spend a lot of time pondering, appreciating, being in the Now.  And when the contemplative discerns what to do, what action to take (based on inspiration that bubbles up from within from God/Source/All That Is) — WOW.  The whole world shifts, everything becomes brighter and lighter and purer and sweeter.  Which, I suspect, is the purpose of the contemplative angel.  :) :)

Peace and Oceans of Love.  Deep Bows.
Jeannie

Hey, Diane - was Thomas Merton a recluse?

And if you and I and Thomas are all recluses … perhaps the world needs more of us :-).


<loving HUGS>


Sylvia

Dear Diane,
I know that the people who have called me a recluse, or told me to get a life are just seeing what makes a life from a different perspective. I personally do not like to have a cell phone stuck to my head while I'm driving down a major highway, reading the paper and putting on my make-up ALL  AT THE SAME TIME ! They may call it multi tasking but I call it ADD.

The insanity and being involved with other people that do the same thing is a “real life” to these dear hearts and they can't imagine why people like you and me and others would want to live another way. They certainly don't think there is anything to be found in the silence worth their time and attention. If only they would give it a whirl.

I think you have a sensitive and tender heart that is just made to bask in the silence and sights/sounds of nature.

You, a recluse ??? Nah.

Love and light,
Meadow

Your being and beauty is all that is dear Diane,
like a wonderful flower that displays its elegance, it just is, radiant, perfect and content to be that which it is…
Nature shows us so much, it is perfect..

And so are you…

Love
Ange

Beautiful flower- the picture and you!
Taking time to be alone is very healthy. People who can be alone with themselves like themselves and can center in on what is important; at the least, reflect on the day.
I had a tough childhood and was alone a lot. I still, sometimes panic if I am sick as I want to go out and be with people. Being married to a person who is passionate on things like poilitics-I enjoy the time when I am alone. I am studying for my Master's right now, so I tend to go to the “Y' to get away. Had I discovered this website when my life was in a period of quiet, I probably would have been on it all the time! I truly feel, at this time, I do not have the proper time to be alone.
Society has this penchant for thinking that if you need to be alone, you are depressed, rude, whatever. This is not true. Enjoy being alone. I only wish I could get into meditating; it certainly would help with sleeping.