When many people hear the word alone, they think of sadness. There is a common belief that being alone is bad. This is incorrect. There are many good things about being alone, a chance to hear your own heartbeat, thoughts, whispers. Being alone can be a joyous time just as being with others. People who like to be alone are often looked upon suspiciously by society as though they were plotting something or just eccentric. They are often given the nickname of being a ‘loner’ which has a negative meaning. Those who follow the path of Tao cannot expect to be understood nor should they concern themselves with the follies and misconceptions of others.
