Sometimes We’re All Alone, And That’s Okay
Humans are gregarious, and we like to be around one another. Too often, however, we gauge our well being and worth by how many groups we are in, and where we stand in those groups.
But the funny thing about most groups is that they’re not particularly tolerant of individuality. Family and true friends – they’re different – and warm, close relationships invite and encourage their members to truly be who they are.
But in many groups often made up of acquaintances – office co-workers, civic organizations, churches, schoolyards – we stand alone when we start to look too different, which is what happens when we begin to ask questions, think our own thoughts, and get serious about becoming the unique individual we were born to be. Groups prefer conformity, with a leader or two in command.
I painted Living on the Edge, which depicts a lone tree in the Grand Canyon, with this in mind. While it may wish it were part of a forest, surrounded by many other trees just like itself, this particular tree has grown straight and strong against the elements, because it has been forced to meet circumstances without the protective aura of the group. Outside of confines, it has grown into its unique shape and form.
We are not always alone like this tree – there are times when we are happily part of the forest. But when we do find ourselves on the edge, alone and kind of craggy feeling, may we stand straight and proud like this tree and say to ourselves, “I may be alone right now, but I have an incredible view, and I see beautiful things.” Then, when we rejoin the group (if we choose to do so), we will have worthy things to share.
More info: 2-steve-henderson.pixels.com
Living on the Edge by Steve Henderson
Humans are gregarious, and we like to be around one another. Too often, however, we gauge our well being and worth by how many groups we are in, and where we stand in those groups.
But the funny thing about most groups is that they’re not particularly tolerant of individuality. Family and true friends – they’re different – and warm, close relationships invite and encourage their members to truly be who they are.
But in many groups often made up of acquaintances – office co-workers, civic organizations, churches, schoolyards – we stand alone when we start to look too different, which is what happens when we begin to ask questions, think our own thoughts, and get serious about becoming the unique individual we were born to be. Groups prefer conformity, with a leader or two in command.
I painted Living on the Edge, which depicts a lone tree in the Grand Canyon, with this in mind. While it may wish it were part of a forest, surrounded by many other trees just like itself, this particular tree has grown straight and strong against the elements, because it has been forced to meet circumstances without the protective aura of the group. Outside of confines, it has grown into its unique shape and form.
We are not always alone like this tree – there are times when we are happily part of the forest. But when we do find ourselves on the edge, alone and kind of craggy feeling, may we stand straight and proud like this tree and say to ourselves, “I may be alone right now, but I have an incredible view, and I see beautiful things.” Then, when we rejoin the group (if we choose to do so), we will have worthy things to share.
More info: 2-steve-henderson.pixels.com
Living on the Edge by Steve Henderson
I read this several times Steve as it really resonated with me. Thank you so much for writing your beautiful thoughts.
Thank you, Dorothy -- I am glad that the article resonated. You know, we treat solitude in our society as if it were a disease, and you see people desperate to stay part of the group, to the point that they deny who they are. It is in our alone times that we gain strength so that we can give back to others, not constantly seek their approval.
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I think your parallel with the trees is very true...only (in my experience) if you've lived for a while alone on the edge it's not really possible to return to the forest - and you don't even want to...on another note, the color range of the rocks is beautiful :)
I agree, Moira -- when you've lived on the edge enough, looking over those cliffs, you hesitate rejoining standard groups, because you've found a way to communicate and be with other trees like yourself (that includes, I've found in many people's experiences, trees that are with us only in the forms of books, through authors of the past with wise, good words). Thank you for your kind words on the color range of the rocks -- amazing how they're not just grey!
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Family is key.... But groups or other individuals are critical. I remember George Harrison ( he seemingly had it all) saying that after awhile, there was no buzz in life... So he seeked 'intetesting" people to meet and understand... I like that concept. So in this painting the lone tree might represent those individuals out there who we need to seek out to truly understand life
I agree with you, Jim -- getting together with people who think and dream, wonder and question, discuss and read -- is extremely stimulating and satisfying. It's a forest of completely disparate and different trees, gathered together to share their stories and thoughts with one another. And not a single one of them is staring down at their phone!
Load More Replies... I read this several times Steve as it really resonated with me. Thank you so much for writing your beautiful thoughts.
Thank you, Dorothy -- I am glad that the article resonated. You know, we treat solitude in our society as if it were a disease, and you see people desperate to stay part of the group, to the point that they deny who they are. It is in our alone times that we gain strength so that we can give back to others, not constantly seek their approval.
Load More Replies... I think your parallel with the trees is very true...only (in my experience) if you've lived for a while alone on the edge it's not really possible to return to the forest - and you don't even want to...on another note, the color range of the rocks is beautiful :)
I agree, Moira -- when you've lived on the edge enough, looking over those cliffs, you hesitate rejoining standard groups, because you've found a way to communicate and be with other trees like yourself (that includes, I've found in many people's experiences, trees that are with us only in the forms of books, through authors of the past with wise, good words). Thank you for your kind words on the color range of the rocks -- amazing how they're not just grey!
Load More Replies... Family is key.... But groups or other individuals are critical. I remember George Harrison ( he seemingly had it all) saying that after awhile, there was no buzz in life... So he seeked 'intetesting" people to meet and understand... I like that concept. So in this painting the lone tree might represent those individuals out there who we need to seek out to truly understand life
I agree with you, Jim -- getting together with people who think and dream, wonder and question, discuss and read -- is extremely stimulating and satisfying. It's a forest of completely disparate and different trees, gathered together to share their stories and thoughts with one another. And not a single one of them is staring down at their phone!
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