Solitude

"The happiest of all lives in busy solitude."-Voltaire. Solitude is a topic that has been crossing my path lately. As I do not believe in coincidences, I feel that I must explore the subject. Numerous famous people have pondered its benefits and have shared their thoughts.

"I live in that solitude which is painful in youth, but delicious in the years of maturity." - Albert Einstein.

"Solitude is independence. It had been my wish, and with the years I had attained it. It was cold. Oh, cold enough. But it was still, wonderfully still and vast like the cold stillness of space in which the stars revolve." - Hermann Hesse, Steppenwolf.

Solitude has been identified as a method of healing, a necessary element for creative endeavors, and a way to keep sane in a crazy world. Many spiritual practices recommend it for self-reflection and spiritual growth. Solitude should not be confused with loneliness, nor should it be considered a cure-all for what ails you, but it is a valuable life tool to be used when needed.

Solitude as a method of healing- There is even a word for this: Eremitism - the act of gradually fading from the lives of others, not out of malice but a desire for solitude or renewal. Our lives are a series of seasons, and there is a season for social healing, as well as a season for healing through solitude. When these seasons appear in our lives depends on age, events, and personality, but I think that as we get older, it becomes almost inevitable. "Solitude is for me a fount of healing which makes my life worth living. Talking is often a torment for me, and I need many days of silence to recover from the futility of words." - Carl Jung.

"Women need real moments of solitude and self-reflection to balance out how much of ourselves we give away." - Barbara De Angelis.

Solitude is necessary for creatives- "Solitude gives birth to the original in us, to beauty unfamiliar and perilous- to poetry." - Thomas Mann. Solitude gives you the space to clear out the noise of others' opinions and influence. It allows you to listen to yourself and create your style and voice. It gives you time to focus and push towards a goal without the demands of the world pulling you off course. "Without great solitude, no serious work is possible." - Picasso.

Solitude used as a spiritual practice- to reflect on the behavior of other people and to find space to forgive them. "It is in deep solitude that I find the gentleness with which I can truly love my brothers. The more solitary I am, the more affection I have for them. Solitude and silence teach me to love my brothers for what they are, not for what they say." - Thomas Merton.

It can be used as a place of meditation for improving yourself or finding the truth. "What is necessary, after all, is only this: solitude, vast inner solitude. To walk inside yourself and meet no one for hours- that is what you must be able to attain." - Rainer Maria Rilke.

The difference between loneliness and solitude- "Loneliness is the poverty of self; solitude is the richness of self." - May Sarton. Some would say that being alone is lonely, but there is a difference. Indeed, you are not with other people, but you are not alone. You are supported by unseen forces that want the best for you.

"You are never alone. The weight of solitude might press upon your heart, but know that you are surrounded by the silent presence of countless souls who have walked this path before you. Remember you are part of something grand, something eternal." - unknown.

"Solitude isn't loneliness. Solitude is when the entire serene universe seems to surround and hold you quietly." - Victoria Erickson, Edge of Wonder.

Why can't you live in solitude forever?- "I have never found a companion that was so companionable as solitude." - Henry David Thoreau. Anyone sensitive will probably agree with Thoreau. After the pandemic lockdowns, I noticed an increase in people (especially younger) who do not want to deal with the stress of social situations. They say "no thanks" to family events, unfulfilling employment, and even hanging out with friends in favor of staying home. I must admit that I am a bit jealous; I did not know that I could say no. "The right company won't feel like a downgrade from your solitude, that's how you'll know." - unknown.

I am afraid for them, though. I fear that they will be in love with their own thoughts and never be able to think critically or entertain opposing ideas. I am afraid that they will be fed a constant diet of carefully curated information from AI algorithms and their online friends and become narrow-minded and self-centered. "I need solitude to empty my mind of people. Then I need people to empty my mind of me." - VaZaki Nada.

The danger solitude presents is the addictive feeling of self-validation, the peace of not having to defend your right to exist, of not having to compare, compete, or conform. "Solitude is dangerous. It's very addictive. It becomes a habit after you realize how peaceful and calm it is. It's like you don't want to deal with people anymore because they drain your energy." - Jim Carrey. Our modern lifestyle drains us. We are in information overload, our environment is overstimulating, people are difficult, and the news is depressing. No wonder solitude feels so sweet.

Let us not forget, though, that solitude and isolation are used as punishment and are seen as inhumane treatment under international law. Our brains are wired for social connection and suffer psychological and neurological damage when they are deprived of it. While the internet makes it impossible not to see and listen to people, it is not a good substitute for face-to-face interactions. Find time to enjoy your solitude this week. Use it to heal and grow, but be sure to also put yourself in a few social situations. They will make you appreciate your solitary moments even more. 😀

Love and Hope,

Big Sky Baby