Have you ever thought about solitude as a method of living your spirituality in daily living? Think of solitude as a battery charging station for the soul. Solitude is more than just spending time by yourself or being okay with being alone, even if you are with others. Solitude is about being at-home in your aloneness, an experience that fills you with a sense of connection. Also, if it is only a brief period in the day, solitude can re-charge your spirit.
Solitude vs. Loneliness
First, there is a difference between solitude and loneliness. Solitude is the positive experience of being alone. It is an experience that is energizing, empowering, and a moment of connection with others, your higher power, and yourself. The detrimental alternative to being alone is loneliness. Loneliness is an emptiness, an energy suck, and a painful ache for connection.
Second, both solitude and loneliness happen either by being alone or with others. In both experiences, solitude is about the connection with others, self, and your higher power, whereas loneliness is about disconnection.
How to Practice Solitude in the Day
There is no time limit on how long moments of solitude happen. These moments can happen at any time of the day. Solitude requires mindfulness and openness to experience it. It also means being intentional about your time alone. Be free of distractions and focus on your desire for connection.
What does solitude look like in daily life? Opportunities for solitude happen when we show up in the day with the desire to connect through listening, in conversation, in solo activities, in service, and the mundane work throughout the day.
Most often, solitude happens doing your favorite past time, such as gardening, knitting, baking, or other hobbies. It also happens when you spend a moment alone sitting or going for a walk, any time that allows for being receptive, in a listening mode with your heart and spirit.
At-Home in Your Aloneness – The Benefits of Solitude
The mystery in experiencing solitude is to understand you cannot control the moment or make solitude happen on demand. To encounter solitude, you need to be ready, show up, be present at the moment, and allow the experience to unfold.
Solitude may not happen every time you desire to encounter it. If you don’t experience solitude the first time, don’t worry. Showing up for solitude is like showing up to meet the creative muse each day. Some days you connect. Other days you don’t.
The intent is to keep showing up with a desire to fill the space of our being with the stuff of solitude:
- The fullness of life in the present moment
- Connection
- Purpose
- Soulfulness
- Belonging
- Meaning
- Insights
- Wonder
- Gratitude
- Tranquility
How I Practice Solitude
Last month while on vacation, I spent some time fly fishing. I loved the day where I left the stress at home, forgot about everything else, and focused solely on fishing. I also experienced solitude, a strong sense of connection with creation surrounding me, and a fullness of a gentle spirit in the wind, water, and sky. Gratitude filled every fiber of my being in that experience.
Also, during my vacation, I went star-gazing one night at the top of the ruins of an old observatory from the early 1900s. It was high in the mountains in the middle of a lava field. At the top of the observatory, I was not alone but surrounded by similar star-gazers. We were looking to catch one last glimpse of the Neowise comet.
During the night, I was alone, quiet, and focusing on the timed photos I was taking to get a decent shot of the comet. At that moment, I felt caught up by the wonder and awe of the universe, the Milky Way, and the countless stars. I also felt a connection with the people around me. They were total strangers at first, and yet they felt more like companion sojourners, pilgrim star-watchers united together by the universe in clear sight above us. Finally, I felt a connection with my inner being, in who I am at this space in time. It was a profound moment of solitude.
Your Turn
Solitude is something you know when you experience it. Yet, it can be a challenge to describe it in tangible form. It is like being in love. You can talk about love and describe it in words, poetry, song, or metaphor, but you know love when you experience the feeling of being in love. You know love when you experience love. Likewise, you know solitude when you experience solitude, a genuine soulful connection with yourself, others, and your higher power.
Key Takeaways
- Solitude is about connection, belonging, and being at-home in your aloneness with self, others, and your higher power
- Set your intention and desire for solitude, quiet the noise of “busy-ness,” be mindful, ready, and open to receptivity
- Experiencing solitude can happen anywhere, either alone by yourself or with others
What is your experience of solitude and being at-home in your aloneness?
I welcome your story.
Bobbie Sue Oxford says
Oh this was a good one Denise! Lovely poem too.
I was wondering when you you would finally write a book!! Love the title.
Be Well My Friend
Denise Pyles says
Thank you Bobbie. I am currently working on two books, one will be published soon, and one is in the ideation phase. Stay tuned. Thanks.