--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Relaxing with something as familiar as…" description: "\"Relaxing with something as familiar as loneliness is good discipline for realizing the profundity of the unresolved moments of our lives. We are cheati..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c3c/pema-ch-dr-n-327_ambiguity_relaxing-with-something-as-familiar-as-l_368771.jpg" --- # Relaxing with something as familiar as loneliness is good… ![“Relaxing with something as familiar as loneliness is good discipline for realizing the profundity of the unresolved moments of our lives. We are cheating ourselves when we run away from the ambiguity of loneliness…Rather than persecuting yourself or feeling that something terribly wrong is…” quote by Pema Chodron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c3c/pema-ch-dr-n-327_ambiguity_relaxing-with-something-as-familiar-as-l_368771.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c3c/pema-ch-dr-n-327_ambiguity_relaxing-with-something-as-familiar-as-l_368771.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c3c/pema-ch-dr-n-327_ambiguity_relaxing-with-something-as-familiar-as-l_368771.jpg) > “Relaxing with something as familiar as loneliness is good discipline for realizing the profundity of the unresolved moments of our lives. We are cheating ourselves when we run away from the ambiguity of loneliness…Rather than persecuting yourself or feeling that something terribly wrong is happening, right there in the moment of sadness and longing, could you relax and touch the limitless space of the human heart?” [Pema Chodron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pema-ch-dr-n/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Embracing loneliness allows us to encounter deep, unresolved feelings and discover inner spaciousness. **In simple terms:** Loneliness can reveal inner depth if we stay present. Key Takeaway Sit with sadness, notice its shape, and breathe into it. Themes mindfulness solitude acceptance Mood reflective calm Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - Therapy sessions - creative writing - meditation retreats - grief counseling Key Concepts Buddhist practice psychological insight Questions to Reflect On - How can you turn loneliness into a doorway for compassion? - What practices help you stay present with uncomfortable emotions? A Different Perspective Loneliness can also intensify negative thoughts if not balanced with connection. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Ambiguity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ambiguity/) [Cheating](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cheating/) [Discipline](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/discipline/) [Feelings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/feelings/) [Good discipline](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/good-discipline/) [Heart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/heart/) [Human heart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/human-heart/) [Humans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humans/) [Limitless](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/limitless/) [Loneliness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/loneliness/) [Longing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/longing/) [Moments](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/moments/) [Profundity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/profundity/) [Running](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/running/) [Running away](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/running-away/) [Sadness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sadness/) [Space](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/space/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) ## Related quotes > [“Have you ever considered another type of loneliness; a good and healthy, happy loneliness?”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bryant-mcgill/have-you-ever-considered-another-type-of-loneliness-a-good-and/) [Bryant McGill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bryant-mcgill/) > [Loneliness, good sex and good memories can make you go back to a bad ex. Remember the real reasons you're not with them and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/loneliness-good-sex-and-good-memories-can-make-you-go-back-to-a-bad-2/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Loneliness is a good education. You learn the things no crowds can teach and you discover the things no crowds can give.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mehmet-murat-ildan/loneliness-is-a-good-education-you-learn-the-things-no-crowds-can/) [Mehmet Murat Ildan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mehmet-murat-ildan/) > [One of the oldest aches in the bones of humanity is loneliness. I mean it's one of the things that goes way back; loneliness…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rob-bell/one-of-the-oldest-aches-in-the-bones-of-humanity-is-loneliness-i-mean/) [Rob Bell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rob-bell/) > [“Loneliness is good practice for eternity.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sheridan-hay/loneliness-is-good-practice-for-eternity/) [Sheridan Hay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sheridan-hay/) > [“The interstate seems to stretch for miles in a straight line as the fields and farms give way to a more barren landscape. "Loneliness…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neil-young/the-interstate-seems-to-stretch-for-miles-in-a-straight-line-as-the/) [Neil Young](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neil-young/) > [LONELINESS is a good FEELING when it is created by our self... But it is the WORST FEELING when it is gifted by others...](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cuts-and-scars/loneliness-is-a-good-feeling-when-it-is-created-by-our-self-but-it-is/) Cuts And Scars > [Loneliness, good sex, and good memories can make you go back to a bad ex. Stay strong and remember the real reasons you're not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sonya-parker/loneliness-good-sex-and-good-memories-can-make-you-go-back-to-a-bad/) [Sonya Parker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sonya-parker/) > [Loneliness is a good feelings when it is created by ourself.. but it is the most wrose feelings when it is gifted by others...](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ritu-ghatourey/loneliness-is-a-good-feelings-when-it-is-created-by-ourself-but-it-is/) [Ritu Ghatourey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ritu-ghatourey/) > [The popular masses are like water, and the army is like a fish. How then can it be said that when there is water,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mao-zedong/the-popular-masses-are-like-water-and-the-army-is-like-a-fish-how/) [Mao Zedong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mao-zedong/) > [In certain areas I don't function well and in other areas I function very well. I'm very good professionally. I have good discipline, I'm…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/woody-allen/in-certain-areas-i-don-t-function-well-and-in-other-areas-i-function/) [Woody Allen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/woody-allen/) > [Few men are brave by nature, but good discipline and experience make many so.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/niccolo-machiavelli/few-men-are-brave-by-nature-but-good-discipline-and-experience-make/) [Niccolo Machiavelli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/niccolo-machiavelli/) > [“While formally or structurally speaking, there are mechanisms of discipline operative in both the convent and the prison, in both the factory and the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-k-a-smith/while-formally-or-structurally-speaking-there-are-mechanisms-of/) [James K.A. Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-k-a-smith/) > [Hunger is good discipline.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ernest-hemingway/hunger-is-good-discipline/) [Ernest Hemingway](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ernest-hemingway/) > [If you can't be honest or don't have integrity, then you won't have a high standards without good discipline.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wazim-shaw/if-you-can-t-be-honest-or-don-t-have-integrity-then-you-won-t-have-a/) [Wazim Shaw](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wazim-shaw/) ## More by Pema Chodron > [“LIFE’S work is to wake up, to let the things that enter into your life wake you up rather than put you to sleep.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pema-ch-dr-n/life-s-work-is-to-wake-up-to-let-the-things-that-enter-into-your-life/) [Pema Chödrön](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pema-ch-dr-n/) > [Since death is certain and the time of death is uncertain, what is the most important thing?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pema-ch-dr-n/since-death-is-certain-and-the-time-of-death-is-uncertain-what-is-the/) [Pema Chodron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pema-ch-dr-n/) > [Buddhist words such as compassion and emptiness don't mean much until we start cultivating our innate ability simply to be there with pain with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pema-ch-dr-n/buddhist-words-such-as-compassion-and-emptiness-don-t-mean-much-until/) [Pema Chodron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pema-ch-dr-n/) > [The essence of generosity is letting go. Pain is always a sign that we are holding on to something - usually ourselves.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pema-ch-dr-n/the-essence-of-generosity-is-letting-go-pain-is-always-a-sign-that-we/) [Pema Chodron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pema-ch-dr-n/) > [“If the object of meditation were something concrete, something solid and graspable - an image or a statue or a dot on the floor…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pema-ch-dr-n/if-the-object-of-meditation-were-something-concrete-something-solid/) [Pema Chödrön](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pema-ch-dr-n/) > [It's a transformative experience to simply pause instead of immediately fill up the space. By waiting, we begin to connect with fundamental restlessness as…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pema-ch-dr-n/it-s-a-transformative-experience-to-simply-pause-instead-of/) [Pema Chodron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pema-ch-dr-n/) > [“The essence of life is that it’s challenging. Sometimes it is sweet, and sometimes it is bitter. Sometimes your body tenses, and sometimes it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pema-ch-dr-n/the-essence-of-life-is-that-it-s-challenging-sometimes-it-is-sweet/) [Pema Chödrön](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pema-ch-dr-n/) > [If we run a hundred miles an hour to the other end of the continent in order to get away from the obstacle, we…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pema-ch-dr-n/if-we-run-a-hundred-miles-an-hour-to-the-other-end-of-the-continent/) [Pema Chodron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pema-ch-dr-n/) > [“But in this meditation technique, we are with the out-breath; there's no particular instruction about what to do until the next out-breath.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pema-ch-dr-n/but-in-this-meditation-technique-we-are-with-the-out-breath-there-s/) [Pema Chödrön](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pema-ch-dr-n/) > [“Nothing ever goes away until it has taught us what we need to know. Nothing ever really attacks us except our own confusion. Perhaps…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pema-ch-dr-n/nothing-ever-goes-away-until-it-has-taught-us-what-we-need-to-know/) [Pema Chödrön](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pema-ch-dr-n/) > [So even if the hot loneliness is there, and for 1.6 seconds we sit with that restlessness when yesterday we couldn't sit for even…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pema-ch-dr-n/so-even-if-the-hot-loneliness-is-there-and-for-1-6-seconds-we-sit/) [Pema Chodron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pema-ch-dr-n/) > [If you have rage and righteously act it out and blame it all on others, it's really you who suffers. The other people and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pema-ch-dr-n/if-you-have-rage-and-righteously-act-it-out-and-blame-it-all-on/) [Pema Chodron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pema-ch-dr-n/) > [“When we realize that the path is the goal, there’s a sense of workability. Trungpa Rinpoche said, “Whatever occurs in the confused mind is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pema-ch-dr-n/when-we-realize-that-the-path-is-the-goal-there-s-a-sense-of/) [Pema Chödrön](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pema-ch-dr-n/) > [Every day is a new opportunity to work with what you have inside toward enlightenment.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pema-ch-dr-n/every-day-is-a-new-opportunity-to-work-with-what-you-have-inside/) [Pema Chodron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pema-ch-dr-n/) > [If someone comes along and shoots an arrow into your heart, it’s fruitless to stand there and yell at the person. It would be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pema-ch-dr-n/if-someone-comes-along-and-shoots-an-arrow-into-your-heart-it-s/) [Pema Chodron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pema-ch-dr-n/) [Explore all 664 Pema Chodron quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pema-ch-dr-n/) ## More Ambiguity quotes > [The position is clear - there is no ambiguity in Sinn Fein's position. We, along with all the other parties, have signed up to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-mcguinness/the-position-is-clear-there-is-no-ambiguity-in-sinn-fein-s-position/) [Martin McGuinness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-mcguinness/) > [Ambiguity is necessary in some of my stories, not in all. In those, it certainly contributes to the richness of the story. I doubt…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gene-wolfe/ambiguity-is-necessary-in-some-of-my-stories-not-in-all-in-those-it/) [Gene Wolfe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gene-wolfe/) > [During the Cold War, we lived in coded times when it wasn't easy and there were shades of grey and ambiguity.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-le-carre/during-the-cold-war-we-lived-in-coded-times-when-it-wasn-t-easy-and/) [John le Carre](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-le-carre/) > [You cannot grow in the integrative dance of action and contemplation without a strong tolerance for ambiguity, an ability to allow, forgive, and contain…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-rohr/you-cannot-grow-in-the-integrative-dance-of-action-and-contemplation/) [Richard Rohr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-rohr/) > [I blame my grandfather 100 percent for his oldest son's death. I don't think there's any ambiguity there.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mary-l-trump/i-blame-my-grandfather-100-percent-for-his-oldest-son-s-death-i-don-t/) [Mary L. Trump](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mary-l-trump/) > [I think the relationship between social-dominance orientation in people and the extent to which they're made uncomfortable by ambiguity and novelty is really important.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-sapolsky/i-think-the-relationship-between-social-dominance-orientation-in/) [Robert Sapolsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-sapolsky/) > [Yet again, an ancient answer echoes across the centuries: Listen! Listen to stories! For what stories do, above all else, is hold up a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ernest-kurtz/yet-again-an-ancient-answer-echoes-across-the-centuries-listen-listen/) [Ernest Kurtz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ernest-kurtz/) > [My path to wisdom began when I stopped pretending to know things I didn't know. When I explicitly admitted to the limits of my…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tucker-max/my-path-to-wisdom-began-when-i-stopped-pretending-to-know-things-i/) [Tucker Max](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tucker-max/) > [If there is a single tragic flaw that mars our biggest enterprises, it is conservatism - the failure to fail, and fail big, in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tom-peters/if-there-is-a-single-tragic-flaw-that-mars-our-biggest-enterprises-it/) [Tom Peters](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-peters/) > [In order to be as free as I possibly can, in my own imagination, I can't take positions that are closed. 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The concepts…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-jay-gould/i-believe-that-we-can-still-have-a-genre-of-scientific-books-suitable/) [Stephen Jay Gould](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-jay-gould/) > [I am in the utmost perplexity, yand have wished a hundred times, that if there is a A God, nature would manifest him without…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/blaise-pascal/i-am-in-the-utmost-perplexity-yand-have-wished-a-hundred-times-that/) [Blaise Pascal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/blaise-pascal/) > [There's a lot of ambiguity in life, and so often, our art is very neatly wrapped up at the end, when our lives never…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/carrie-coon/there-s-a-lot-of-ambiguity-in-life-and-so-often-our-art-is-very/) [Carrie Coon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/carrie-coon/) > [“Man must not attempt to dispel the ambiguity of his being but, on the contrary, accept the task of realizing it.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/simone-de-beauvoir/man-must-not-attempt-to-dispel-the-ambiguity-of-his-being-but-on-the/) [Simone de Beauvoir](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/simone-de-beauvoir/) [Browse all 431 Ambiguity quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ambiguity/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Relaxing with something as familiar as loneliness is good discipline for realizing the profundity of the unresolved moments of our lives. 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