Quantum of solace

"Whence comes Solace? Not from seeing / What is doing, suffering, being, / Not from noting Life's conditions, / Nor from heeding Time's monitions; / But in cleaving to the Dream, / And in gazing at the gleam / Whereby gray things golden seem."

~ Thomas Hardy, an English novelist and poet.

No. This is not about Ian Fleming's book or the 2008 James Bond film of the book with the same title. This is about comfort in sorrow, misfortune, misery, disappointment, or distress; consolation; giving relief in affliction. To comfort, console, or cheer in times of trouble, grief, or calamity; to alleviate, alley, assuage, mitigate, sooth, is solace; and that which supplies such comfort or alleviation, is solacing or solacement. Solace is also a state of physical ease and freedom from pain of constraint.

Solace is not only applicable to humans, but also to all life forms: sentient or vegetal, for I believe that feeling is common to all life, only the ability or the incapability for expression differs; and, as yet, we do not possess the knowledge to understand the ways in which such feelings are expressed by non-humans.

To most of mankind, with their inability to think rationally, clearly, logically; and unable to attribute cause for the happenings of their life; solace affords solace: to find some comfort to their wild unrest. It is in the makeup of man, and woman, to seek solace from the streets of sorrow and pain which life bestows upon them - be it through the designs of men of cunning, or by the will of fate (call it karma, if you wish) which, basically, is the result of one's own doing. Where do we find solace in times of grief? Where do we find hope in times of pain? What can soothe us in times of affliction or distress?

Pain

Comfort comes in many forms: blankets, clothing attire or even a cup of tea. But, when pain attacks our body, when fear assaults our mind, when tears of grief flow from our heart, nothing soothes us as does solitude; for in solitude we discover solace. We can seek refuge in physical comforts, provided by people and things. We can go to the marketplace for food, drink, drugs, and sex.

Our wealth can help distract us. Family and friends can offer support and solace. However all their power can achieve, only limited and temporary relief.

The only true way to soften one's troubles is to solace those of others, and to be grateful unto life - for he who is grateful is but grateful for the good of his own self. The characteristic of gratitude offers unimaginable solace to the mind.

Most humans have descended to the level of spineless vertebrae. Failing to go confidently in the direction of their dreams; fearing to live the life they have imagined; inordinately impoverished of wealth and wisdom; steeped in poverty and weakness; failing to simplify their lives by which, the laws of the universe will be simpler; seek and await solace to solace their wretchedness.

However, to some, the refuge of death - the best and kindliest, and most prized friend and benefactor of: the erring; the forsaken; the old and weary; the broken of heart - becomes solace.

We spend years using up our bodies to nurture our minds with experience that may help gain wisdom; and find to our horror, our minds turning then to our exhausted bodies for solace. Such is the irony of living, the lack of wit of mortal man, that solace becomes the safety valve for all turbulence in life, no matter if brought about by one's own follies, present or past; or at times, due to the accursed actions of others in whom we placed our trust.

For him who has felt of the force of fetters, he who has drunk of the draught that embitters; the solace of sorrow, the tired tears of tomorrow, will afford no comfort. It is easy in the world to live after the world's opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who, in the midst of the crowd, keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude, and thus gains solace.

Temperament

The quantum of solace that each of us need and expect varies according to our temperament, and our abilities to face the turmoil's of life.

The more powerful and original a mind, the less it will incline towards the religion of solace. Instead, when the soul is weary with sorrow or distress, such people, the strong of will, will seek strength in solitude, in positive thoughts and pleasant memories. "The monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind," said Albert Einstein.

By recognising and having the wisdom to acknowledge their good fortune on many fronts, they learn to weigh reality so that fear and misfortunes are, balanced with peace and blessings. By seeking tranquillity through solitude, such persons are able to make a conscious contact with cosmic principles. The light that radiates from positive thoughts and pleasant memories dispels many of the shadows cast by their worries and ailments. Peace of mind comes when we find comfort in solitude instead of loneliness.

There is no good, appealing to or turning to heaven for earthly comfort. Heaven can give heavenly comfort, no other kind. And even earth cannot give earthly comfort unless the soul of man is touched by wisdom.

There is no earthly comfort in the long run without enlightenment. It is only by the strength of one's mind that true solace is possible.

Sometimes I like being alone. I find solace when I am able to, just be by myself where I am free to be with my thoughts and be at one with me. The greatest solace I find is when I am free from pain and not distressed. Free from my past and in solitude I am reflective and appreciative of how far I have come to get where I am now: at peace.

Most people do not understand this. People will say that being alone is unhealthy and most will refuse to understand the reasons behind my distance.

I could be surrounded by, thousands of people and still feel alone; be alone. I have grown accustomed to it and I embrace my solitude. Solace for me is the knowledge that as each day passes, I am letting go of my past and I am healing.

You cannot expect anyone to understand this if he has not experienced it himself. Only those who have experienced it can comprehend; because solace in solitude is, a thing apart that cannot be accounted for, by reason. This is the great division of the world and always has been. Hence, pray for solace, pray for resolve, pray for saviour, pray for deliverance - some kind of purpose, a glimpse of a light in this void of existence: but know that in solitude you can gain all.

See you this day next week. Until then, keep thinking; keep laughing. Life is mostly about these two activities.

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