Human beings are social beings. They love to be with each other. Whether it is home, workplace, or in society, people like to stay together with their companions.

When someone tries to be alone, it is generally seen as anti-social behavior.

Despite different opinions about solitude, being away from the crowd has its own benefits. Isolation is peaceful if you know how to be with yourself.

This article discusses the beauty and liberty in solitude.

Solitude vs. feeling lonely

Being lonely is the feeling that no one cares about you. You can feel lonely even if you are amidst a gathering. Here you feel isolated when you do not want to be isolated.

For instance, suppose you are at a party. While others are enjoying the moment, you are sitting in a corner of the room. Even if you would like to join others, you do not feel or do not know how to connect to them. That is loneliness.

Solitude is a voluntary decision to be with yourself. It is the time to relax and reconnect with yourself while enjoying the bliss of being alone.

Especially after a long day, nothing can be better than getting time to reflect on your day, address any issues, and allowing time to rejuvenate.

Is solitude a good thing?

Short-term solitude has positive effects on your physical and mental health. Following are some of the benefits one can gain through solitude.

·        It is a time to navigate through inner self:

Interaction with your family and friends is necessary. Simultaneously, it is good to have time for yourself to navigate through your inner self.

You can practice short periods of “me time.” That means a few minutes only for yourself.

This helps you to check how you are doing.

If there are any negative emotions in you such as guilt, worry, sorrow, jealousy, etc., “me time “allows you to address those emotions.

If you let the negative emotions unaddressed, your mind becomes impure. Consequently, your words and actions will also be impure.

For more details, read

·        It is a time to recharge yourself:

A few minutes of downtime is the best opportunity to recharge yourself. In the workplace or home, we spend our energy. We need to let the body and mind get positive energy back through solitude.

 ·        Solitude gives freedom:

People who are looking for spiritual development practice solitude.

If you represent a group of people, you are restrained by the values and responsibilities of that particular group.

When you are alone, there is nothing to restrain you. Thus, your creativity, positive thinking, and spiritual development will progress.

Most philosophers, scientists, and spiritual leaders have spent time in solitude.

How to practice solitude?

 ·        Be away from digital media

Being alone does not mean that you spend the whole time on the phone or other digital media. Remember to have a break from digital media before getting ready for “me time.”

Some people, spend the rare moments of life on mobile phones. They fill up minds with loads of information which furthers thinking.

This is not the purpose of solitude. Thus, you strictly need to go off-line.

·        Take a walk in the nature

If the weather condition allows you, it is best to go for a walk in nature to get some fresh air. This gives the energy to move on to other tasks during the day.

Researchers have found grounding allows receiving the electron charges stored in the earth. 

For more details, read Grounding: stick to basics.

·        Engage yourself in things you love to do

The busy schedules in our lives keep us away from things we love to do. Whether gardening, raising a pet, or doing yoga gives yourself plenty of time to engage in activities you like.

·        Follow a relaxing method:

Following a method to spend quiet moments is an aspect of solitude.

Find a discreet spot and collect yourself for some meditation. You can practice deep breathing, loving-kindness, or even contemplating death meditation for a few minutes.

This helps you go deep inside. Gradually, meditation suppresses racing thoughts.

At the end of the session, you find peace and harmony.

For more details, read Meditation before bedtime.

Rediscover yourself:

During your “me time”, rediscover yourself. Check if you are doing ok, if there are any worries in you, how can you overcome past unpleasant memories, etc. Let all the negative energy come out of you.

·        Appreciate yourself:

You love yourself more than anyone else in the world. Appreciate who you are, what you have done so far, and your achievements. Celebrate yourself and be grateful for everything you have received in this life.

For more details, read

How to find time for solitude during the day?

We play different roles as a mom, spouse, employee, or even a staying home person. Regardless, it might be difficult to find time for yourself without the disturbance of others.

Morning:

Maybe you can wake up a few minutes early before others wake up to have those precious moments for yourself.

Postpone the urge to check on the mobile phone as soon as you wake up.

Take a deep breath to relax.

Pay attention to the incoming and outgoing breath.

Spend a few blissful moments in silence.

Day time:

When you switch between tasks, remember to take deep breaths.

If you get a 15-minute break, go for a walk. Forget the next task you have to do. Just use this “me moment” to cultivate inner peace.

Night:

This is the time when everyone gets together, has dinner, watches tv, or just stays doing nothing.

Some of us have the habit of reflecting on the day at this point.

After spending time with your family, just have a few moments to wish your own wellness and the wellness of others.

You can end up the day with a happy mind.

On a final note, we can find opportunities to practice solitude daily. When you understand the beauty of it, you will look for more opportunities to enjoy the freedom.

 Photo by Keegan Houser on Unsplash