Kodoku - 孤独

by Gili Benita from Brooklyn, New York

Traveling alone, especially in Japan, I was confronted with my biggest fear: being alone. In a country where thousands of people die alone each year without anyone noticing, loneliness reaches its extreme form. In my journey, I discovered the difference between loneliness and solitude, and the positive presence of personal individualism.  

While walking in the streets of Osaka, Tokyo and Kanazawa, the beaches of Totori and the Mountains of Nagano, I saw the reflection of myself in the different passers-by. Those reflections made me look at myself for the first time, without any filters. Those reflections helped me to accept myself without looking to the sides.

In a way, confronting myself was the best way to find and reconnect to myself; to find solitude.

Today, when we are all locked in our homes, away from our loved ones, we are forced to confront ourselves. I believe that we should make the most out of this experience and get to know ourselves better. This opportunity right now is a time to look, have a sincere and genuine conversation with ourselves, and enjoy the process of it. This period does not have to be lonely when you have yourself.

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