The Heart is a Lonely Hunter

You may recall reading Carson McCuller’s” The Heart is a Loner Hunter” but did you know that the title of this book derives from a poem by Scottish poet, William Sharp called “The Lonely Heart” and a verse within “But my heart is a lonely hunter that hunts on a lonely hill”?

I have been thinking about loneliness lately, and how it is intrinsic to the composition of a soul. If one perceives that the universe is vast energy then perhaps each soul is a dot. And if each dot seeks connection to other dots (like the game connect the dots) then the space between one dot and another could be imagined as loneliness—defining loneliness as a quest for connection. Since we are inherently social beings, we strive for connections and these interactions when they happen are enjoyed in the moment but then instantly after that moment become memories.

Why then, do we conventionally think that loneliness is a bad thing? I have thought that in the past but now I am seeing it differently.  Perhaps loneliness is simply a longing for connection and that longing can be motivational in forming connections. Perhaps as my wise friend Meryl pointed out, “loneliness makes us appreciate the connections we share even more.” Perhaps the space between connections that I am calling loneliness is essential to cultivating self-love and self-reflection so that when we do connect again it is on a more fulfilling and joyful level.

If indeed the heart is a lonely hunter as Sharp professes then we must also acknowledge the accompanying verse, “Here in the heart of Summer, sweet is life to me still.” The resilient heart is one that accepts loneliness as part of their soul’s journey, just like joy, loss and pain, knowing that the condition is not permanent if we choose to connect to others as we go.

Linda Joy Walder