Alone, but not in solitude

Hello, coffee lovers.

There's something magical about coffee shops. We've talked about this on several occasions, but there's always something more to say on the subject.

For example, a few days ago, a friend invited my husband and me to her house for coffee.
We couldn't refuse an invitation like that, made with so much love. On the contrary, we accepted it with great pleasure.

My friend's house is beautiful. We settled in on the patio, where she has everything set up to receive friends. I can only say that it's very welcoming and I felt right at home.

That feeling of being surrounded by so much nature, so much beauty, and enjoying ripe fruit, coffee, and good conversation, is something we don't experience every day.

There was a moment when, immersed in the landscape and the aroma of coffee, my mind drifted away from the group, and I was alone with myself.

It's incredible how I was able to concentrate in the silence of the landscape and tune out everyone else. I'd never been able to do anything like that before. For a good while, I was alone with myself, enjoying my thoughts.

I think it was the combination of the place, the coffee, and feeling so incredibly good in that wonderful spot that created that kind of trance where, despite being surrounded by other people, I was alone.

Yes, alone, but I didn't feel lonely. It was strange; I didn't feel alone, but rather protected, sheltered, surrounded by everyone: alone, but not in solitude.

I don't know how else to explain it.

I wish you could experience what I experienced someday. In fact, I wish I could experience it again. For that, I would have to go back and relive that beautiful afternoon.