Embracing Solitude

I wonder where we have lost our sense of “wonder”.

We wake up to whats app messages instead of soaking in the sensation of sunrays brushing our cheeks.

The vastness of the sky doesn’t catch our eye,

We are not awestruck by the crimson hues of sunset on the beach

We are busy in social media checkins.

Google has become a verb

We always have so many things to get done.

We have forgotten the wonder of deep breath and deep sleep.

Can you recall the last time you were alone with your thoughts, without podcasts, social media, Netflix, friends or family to distract you? Or does the thought of being stuck with your thoughts terrify you?

A study by University of Virginia found that many people are so uncomfortable with quiet contemplation that many of them would rather experience minor electrical shocks than spend time alone with their thoughts.

So what is in store for us, if we get past the initial discomfort of sitting with ourselves in solitude?

Benefits of embracing solitude:

1. Creativity

Nikola Tesla, a great inventor, had this to say about solitude: “The mind is sharper and keener in seclusion and uninterrupted solitude. Originality thrives in seclusion free of outside influences beating upon us to cripple the creative mind. Be alone—that is the secret of invention. Be alone—that is when ideas are born”

2. Self Awareness and development

“Just be sure that you observe carefully what wells up within you and place that above everything that you notice around you. Your innermost happening is worth all your love. You must somehow work on that.” – Rainer Maria Rilke

In an age of constant social media consumption and bombardment of hash tags of Travel goals, Relationship goals and Career goals, the line between our own voice and desires and acquired desires is getting blurred.

Solitude gives you an opportunity to know yourself and takes you away from the herd mentality. It offers you the clarity and space for introspection to know who you are and what you want.

3. Relationships

“The point of marriage is not to create a quick commonality by tearing down all boundaries; on the contrary, a good marriage is one in which each partner appoints the other to be the guardian of his solitude, and thus they show each other the greatest possible trust.”- Rainer Maria Rilke

A good relationship is one in which two people help each other to grow without losing their individuality.

Scheduling some alone time and embracing solitude goes a long way to ensure we strike this fine balance in relationships.