Well said, Eiseley!

As physical beings with outer personalities we are irrevocably solitary. Our very identity as individuals has defined us that way.

Most of the spiritual material I read, though, suggests to me that this is "the illusion of separation", as we are all part of a single Unity in Spirit, and in a very intimate way, but we don't perceive that when we exist here in separate bodies. We perceive ourselves as irrevocably separated from one another. Sex is very pleasurable, because it seems briefly to remove the sense of separation and achieve a short-lived unity.

The only way to permanently end the sense of separation is to achieve a unitive consciousness (known as "enlightenment" or "Self-realization" in the Eastern traditions).

That's something most people never even think about. Nor do they strive for it. Nor does their society encourage them to. Only a few spiritual students here and there strive for it, so it's something that occurs quietly in most societies, gets little notice, and goes unremarked upon most of the time.

When in a unitive consciousness you don't just love "this one" or "that one", you love everyone and everything in an undemanding and unconditional fashion...because you realize that they are you and you are they and there IS no separation.

Individuals who have achieved a Unitive consciousness are very rare. I think I've met one such, and I've met one or two others who were getting close to it. You can tell, because it's wonderful just to be around them. They are very peaceful, positive, full of positive energy and ideas, highly motivated, friendly, lively, relaxed, hardworking, and kind. They render much service unto others.