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Pilar Sordo: 'It's different to feel alone than to be alone, and that's related to self-love'
🇦🇷 Argentina /Health & Science

Pilar Sordo: 'It's different to feel alone than to be alone, and that's related to self-love'

From La Nación · (1d ago) Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Chilean psychologist and writer Pilar Sordo emphasizes the distinction between feeling lonely and being alone, linking emotional well-being to self-love.
  • Sordo explains that fear of silence stems from an avoidance of confronting one's inner self and unresolved conflicts.
  • True self-love, she argues, is humble and involves accepting one's own flaws, which in turn reduces the need to judge others.

In a recent interview, renowned Chilean psychologist and writer Pilar Sordo offered profound insights into the nature of solitude and emotional well-being, drawing a critical distinction between the objective state of being alone and the subjective feeling of loneliness. Her perspective, shared with La Nación, centers on the crucial role of self-love in navigating these experiences.

Es distinto sentirse solo a estar solo

— Pilar SordoDistinguishing between the feeling of loneliness and the state of being alone.

Sordo posits that the fear many people exhibit towards silence is not a fear of quiet itself, but rather a fear of the introspection that silence demands. It is in these quiet moments that individuals confront their inner truths, their unresolved conflicts, and the parts of themselves they might prefer to ignore. This internal confrontation, she suggests, is often avoided, leading to a heightened sense of isolation even when surrounded by others.

La gente le tiene miedo al silencio porque el silencio tiene mucho ruido

— Pilar SordoExplaining the fear of silence as a fear of confronting inner turmoil.

Central to Sordo's argument is the concept of self-love, which she defines not as arrogance or selfishness, but as a deep, humble acceptance of one's own imperfections and 'shadows.' This self-awareness, she explains, fosters genuine empathy and reduces the inclination to judge others. By cultivating a strong internal dialogue and prioritizing self-care, individuals can build authentic relationships, offering genuine connection rather than seeking to fill personal voids.

Yo tengo la impresión de que esto está directamente relacionado con el amor propio, con tu diálogo interno.

— Pilar SordoConnecting self-love and internal dialogue to emotional well-being.

From a Latin American viewpoint, Sordo's emphasis on introspection and self-acceptance resonates deeply. While Western media might often focus on external validation or societal pressures, her work reminds us of the internal landscape's paramount importance. Her message is a powerful call to embrace our inner selves, recognizing that true connection with others begins with a healthy, loving relationship with oneself. This perspective is particularly valuable in a region where community and interpersonal relationships are highly valued, yet the internal work required to sustain them is often overlooked.

El amor propio en sí mismo es profundamente humilde, porque si yo conozco mis sombras, no tengo cara para hablarte de las tuyas digamos

— Pilar SordoDefining self-love as humble acceptance of one's own flaws.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by La Nación in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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