Within each of us there is a deep well of potential goodness — of radiance and nobility. The problem is that we do not always know how to draw from this well or make it a source of ongoing sustenance and support. You could think about it this way: Perhaps when you feel lonely, its is actually your positive qualities that are lonely. It could be your goodness that has become surrounded by adverse factors, unhealthy habits, and cold attitudes. You can surround your own lonely potential for goodness instead with supportive factors and warm attitudes. You can become a friend to your basic radiance and wholeheartedly, unequivocally nurture your own positive qualities. This can bring a quality of warmth and richness to your time alone. Even if no one else is around you, you can experience connection rather than isolation.

17th Karmapa

from the book Interconnected: Embracing Life in Our Global Society

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Further quotes from the book Interconnected:

• The deeper common ground all living being share
• Everything and everyone is benefiting you
• The imagination to see the other as free and happy
• Self-reliance
• The interdependence between us and the world
• The impulse to connect
• Cultivating a spirit of generosity
• Interdependent individuals
• A greater sense of possibility
• Inner conditions of interdependence
• Interdependence always works both ways
• Our innate ability to connect with others
• Thinking about the consequences of our collective actions
• Collective actions and attitudes
• Viewing others through the lens of interdependence
• Interdependence at work
• Our intimate dependence on the natural environment
• Extend yourself and connect
• The opportunity to love
• Noticing the collective effects of our individual actions