I came into this planet alone.
And I will go from this planet, alone again.
In the middle of this,
I’m going to enjoy being alone.
-Ruchi Balkrishna
If you are someone who wants to know the meaning of solitude,
Or someone who loves the autonomy by being alone and is looking for ways to enhance this feeling,
Or someone who wishes to imbibe this lifestyle because it might get difficult to stay with yourself,
Or learn how to enjoy your own company wherever you are,
Then this piece is dedicatedly written for you.
In this article, we shall discuss,
- What is the meaning of solitude
- Why solitude is important?
- Difference between solitude and loneliness?
- The psychology of solitude- the real reason to stay alone
- Benefits of solitude
- 10 solitude activities to enjoy and achieve greatness
Meaning of Solitude
Just like a piece of rock that goes through tremendous transformation to become a diamond,
The diamond that doesn’t just sit there alone, but sits pridefully as a solitaire.
Similarly, we as humans are solitaire diamonds in our own ways.
When we are alone with ourselves, with running thoughts, transient emotions, beautiful imaginations, scenarios and a hope for the better future, we are in solitude.
Is it comfortable?
Yes.
Is it necessary?
Again yes.
Is it uncomfortable?
A big yes.
But is it worth it?
100% Yes!
Even when you are in the middle of a crowd, you are with yourself.
And you don’t have to be extraordinarily spiritual or experienced to practice it,
You just need the patience and the permission from yourself to sit quiet and alone with yourself.
Why Solitude is Important?
Maybe you thought it feels good which it primarily does, or you might think that you need some time to sort yourself out of something, solitude is definitely a shift change in life.
Just imagine,
You are seated in a green park.
You have brought a picnic cloth with yourself to sit under the sun which is seeping through the canopies.
You like the warmth in the cold breeze.
And you just sit with yourself and enjoy the present moment.
Isn’t that what we call life?
To live?
Solitude is important but rather solitude is a way of quality living.
In the world full of people wanting someone by their side, solitude is important to
- Understand yourself and who you are completely
- Ask questions to yourself to contradict your thoughts and finally come home with an answer
- Decide your thoughts, habits, actions in a way that shapes your life
- Understand the “why” behind your existence
- Audit your life for a better tomorrow
- Do justice to the thought that you are here to live
- And, readjust and reset life with mindfulness and peace
Benefits of Solitude in Life
What are you going to gain by reading this article?
The reason is how to be happy alone.
Practicing Solitude is a conscious effort to take some time out for yourself.
It’s only in solitude that truth appears and we truly have time to appreciate what we have in life.
It’s finally a relationship, a bond that you start having with yourself.
Difference between Solitude and Loneliness
Now you know the meaning of solitude, benefits of solitude, and why solitude is important. But why solitude is termed as loneliness? Is it the same or quite difficult?
In my experience, when I went for solo trips, wanting to enjoy myself, I was seen by the onlookers as
- Lonely
- Depressed
- Or Suicidal
I was later asked by those onlookers to join them as according to them, I looked depressed and I needed company.
But that was not at all the case.
I enjoyed my company enough to see new places, eat delicious food, travel alone and see the world.
These two things are often equated as the same, but there is a difference between solitude and loneliness.
Solitude is a conscious choice to enjoy the self, rejoice the self.
Loneliness is a weak feeling where you feel there’s no one around when you want someone.
Solitude is coming from a powerful mindset.
Loneliness is coming from a negative place in mind.
Solitude is giving power to self.
Loneliness is giving your power in someone else’s hands.
Solitude is being with you despite having people around.
Loneliness is being lonely despite having huge number of people around.
Hence solitude is a choice and loneliness is a consequence.
The Psychology of Solitude – The Real Reason to Stay Alone
When I talk about solitude, ask yourself?
Do you like being with yourself because you were left alone as a child or do you like being with yourself despite having meaningful and healthy connections?
These two things are different, and you need to know which one is the real reason.
If it’s the second option then that’s great.
If it’s first, understand that,
- Aloneness became your only option when you were not accompanied as a child
- There are various reasons and you are certainly not the problem
- You started enjoying it so much that you don’t connect with other people or form new connections
- You are afraid of going in the open to be finally rejected after putting efforts, so why not stay alone
There can be many reasons and it’s okay to have come till here.
Know that you are always supported and guided. Most importantly, you are loved by the higher power.
(To seek solution for any problem, please consult a mental health professional and take care.)
10 Solitude Activities to Enjoy and Achieve Greatness
We have finally come to the end of this article, but we have to cover a crucial point, and that is what are the solitude activities to enjoy?
We must embrace solitude as a lifestyle and not as a bunch of activities.
Ask yourself, what is your art of enjoying solitude?
It can be anything.
It can be reading books. Or just sitting under the sunlight.
But if you are someone who is looking for embracing solitude in day-to-day life, then here’s the list.
- Sitting with yourself and writing down all your thoughts. If you prefer speaking, then speak out loud in front of the mirror
- Activity I loved in childhood- drawing something or coloring something. Buying a coloring book and spending some time scribbling
- Activity I always wanted to do- Baking. I would see my friends as pro bakers and would get inspired. Soon, even I started baking cakes and brownies on a still, quiet Sunday
- How to be happy alone without friends or colleagues? Tune in to your favorite music and shut yourself down for a bit
- Involve movement- Leave the place where you are currently at. Finding peace in solitude requires going out, taking a walk in the nature, & touching the greens. It can also be a quiet café to sit and look around
- Taking a solo trip- You can do this slowly. Take your time. Once you start feeling comfortable with yourself, you can start with shorter trips. New places will definitely help with newer perspectives
- Cook something for yourself- It can be anything. It can be as simple as green tea or something elaborate and fun to cook. This can not only make you taste good food but also keep you engaged in the process mindfully
- Sing- See this one is optional. But this is definitely doesn’t depend on your singing talent. However you sing, it doesn’t matter. What matters is you are enjoying it and making it better each time you sing. Even if you don’t want to be better, just sing.
- Solitude writing prompts- Ask yourself.
What are the top 3 things that you like about yourself?
Write the top 3 reasons why you like to spend time with yourself?
What are the goals you would like to reflect next time?
What is that thing which makes you feel the most connected to yourself?
These questions will definitely pave a way for you to start a meaningful journey with yourself. Remember, solitude is not about shutting others and not finding companionship. It’s a healthy blend of relationship with others and a relationship with yourself.
You know, solitude is a rare gem that we may not find. Some people do enjoy it, while some are on their way. Once human beings practice solitude, the entire humankind will be better at treating others better, doing the work better, making a livable society for others and truly live life by the meaning and purpose.
Hence solitude is the bridging link for individuals to become awakened.