Escaping can be most subtle and the mind will justify your actions in many cunning ways. Your love affair is an escape. Your need to be with the other is an escape from being one with yourself. All occupations are an escape. You are not prepared to face your aloneness. The terror wells up and a thousand needs arise. Accept the simple fact that you are dying. Are you ready to face your aloneness in all it's feelings before you die? You are drowning and the drowning man will grab anything, even a straw. In the moment of drowning this seems to give hope. But the truth is this is of no help. All the escapes from the aloneness are simply pieces of straw. Yes, there is bound to be terror. When you can totally accept your aloneness then nothing can touch you, then there is no more fear, then the love affair becomes a dance instead of an escape, your occupation becomes a gift instead of an escape and even death cannot hurt you.

Love Umi