There is a blissfulness and a strength that comes from time spent in solitude. I’m not referring to loneliness… loneliness can be tough and is about feeling isolated and disconnected, sometimes even when we are with people. Solitude is far more meaningful … it literally is yoga for the soul and spirit. And can be beautiful. Purposeful time spent on your own is deeply healing, restorative and rejuvenating. A beautiful, even though sometimes painful, way to connect with your inner self which in turn builds strength and resourcefulness.
Having just returned from a few beautiful weeks spent in blissful solitude I urge you to switch off your phones, close your laptops, set aside your current busy-ness of the day and find a way to be in solitude, even if just for a little while every day. We don’t do enough of it, and reflection time is when the healing happens. Somewhere in Mother Nature is best of course, but anywhere will do. Simply sitting alone will deepen your connection to yourself in ways you could never imagine possible.
Wishing you some blissful solitude …
I wish this sentiment was a discussion point in primary schools, with children just beginning to navigate the world on their own (the school day) to help them find their centre and feel good about themselves and who they inherently are; we live in a world that honours The Extrovert – a person who is sustained in a busy room full of people. I have enormous empathy for The Introvert – who recharges in solitude and is comfortable with solitude – but is often made to feel that there is something wrong with them for not wanting to be in a large noisy crowd, who is actually drained and depleted by noise and chaos and doesn’t find that energy uplifting – let alone the confusion of the Introverted Extrovert – who swings both ways! As this beautifully written piece says – solitude is not loneliness – and it can be an absolute lifesaver, it can be bliss.