Apr 22, 2013

S is for Solitude – The journey within

Nowhere can man find a quieter or more untroubled retreat than in his own soul
- Marcus Aurelius


A colleague recently took off on a solitary vacation to the hills. He says he really enjoyed being by himself. But what most people found intriguing was that he went all alone. How can you go alone and still have fun? was the question he faced from almost everybody at work.

That got me thinking. Why do most people equate solitude with loneliness? Although solitude means to be alone it does not necessarily mean to be lonely. 


Solitude is simply some quality time that we spend away from other people and the distractions in our life to be alone with ourselves and our thoughts. I think solitude is very important, especially in today’s stressful times. It helps to quieten the mind, refreshes and rejuvenates us.

Solitude could be in the form of a holiday taken alone, a solitary walk, or simply sitting quietly and spending a few minutes with oneself. The “Alone –Time” can be used to connect with oneself, for introspection, reflection or to simply enjoy a good book, music or nature.


 A lot of people prefer to think and work in solitude as they feel that it increases productivity and efficiency.

I really cherish and enjoy my solitude. I carve out some quiet time for myself everyday. I go for my morning walks alone as mornings are when my mind is the most relaxed and peaceful. It gives me a wonderful opportunity to think and contemplate undisturbed. Even during a busy work day I try to snatch a few minutes to be by myself. I find that it calms my mind and bring a clarity of thought.

My holidays are usually to serene and scenic places, preferably the mountains. Even when I travel with friends or family I take out some time to enjoy nature alone. I honestly believe that good creative work needs solitude, so does true appreciation of nature.

Somebody who enjoys solitude may not necessarily be a loner. I may enjoy my moments of solitude but then I also go out and seek company. But solitude is essential to maintain our inner peace and tranquility. It is as essential for our soul as food is for our bodies.

How about you – Do you enjoy Solitude ? and How do you spend your Alone-Time?


(Note - Some of you might have read this post before. I have cheated a bit today ! I had written this post about two years back and decided to use it for "S"since I am down with flu and my brain is as clogged as my nose - And I am unable to pen down the thoughts for the topic I had originally thought to write for "S")

41 comments:

  1. One can never have too much of "alone-me time". It's so vital for maintaining one's balance, sanity and perspective...as also to look within!

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  2. Errr... are you a Virgo by an chance?? :P

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  3. I love solitude ..it helps me connect with myself ..I am social animal too but there are times when one needs some time for himself....I walk in the morning or a drive on a deserted road or sitting on the shore (my fav) are few means how I love to spend time for myself.

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  4. I love my solitude time. I almost always drive in a quiet car. I would go nuts without my quiet time!
    Great post!
    Connie
    A to Z-ing to the end
    Peanut Butter and Whine

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  5. I love my Me-time a lot, it is like my mobile's battery recharge time... need it daily and it relaxes me and helps me work better. I feel this Me-time is the best time of the day for me.
    Hope you are feeling better... take care! :)

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  6. Solitutde is sometimes what we crave and what we really dont get

    PhenoMenon

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    Replies
    1. True, solitude is becoming more and more rare these days !

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  7. I do it all the time ... I even prefer to watch movies alone in a hall, go shopping alone and ... in the dark grim days when I was going through my divorce, I would take off to a new city, where I did not know anybody, book and room and spend a couple of days - just weeping, venting and healing. To me - alone time is for recuperating, it is very important

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    Replies
    1. I think we have a power to heal ourselves like no one else has !

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  8. I love solitude... I love being with my thoughts and in close proximity to nature... I think its a wonderful way to reflect and relax and soothe our own nerves in many ways :)

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  9. I am very efficient when I am alone. I think better, shop better even cook up excellent concoctions.

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    Replies
    1. Same here I am at my best when I am working in solitude !

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  10. Solitude helps me write.

    Damyanti @Daily(w)rite Co-host, A to Z Challenge 2013

    Twitter: @AprilA2Z
    #atozchallenge
    AZ blogs on Social Media

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  11. I love my "me time". I need it every single day. Super post.

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  12. I love solitude.
    It gives me peace bliss and needless to mention creative ideas. Some times i need some one to just pour all my ideas to them. My bro spends time among people and I used to stay boolted in my room much to my mom's dislike. I rarely come out but now they understood and they let it be :)

    Travelling alone seems great idea if safety is given utmst priority !
    gOOD DAY
    GET WELL SOON

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  13. I am so sorry to know that you are not feeling well. I hope you get well soon - in time for T.
    Regarding solitude, I agree. I think as individual, we can consider ourselves mature and well adjusted beings only if we can remain happy in our own company. No other person, whether friend or spouse or parent, shares our life quite so much.

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    Replies
    1. True Cynthia. If we are not happy in our own company we cannot be happy anywhere !

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  14. Nice post, though! (Tak full rest and recover soon :) )

    A few days ago I wrote something on similar lines, do read if you can take some time out:

    Islands of Solitude

    http://myriadrainbowhues.blogspot.in/2013/04/normal-0-false-false-false-en-us-ja-x_10.html

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    Replies
    1. Will surely check it out .. Thanks for the wishes !

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  15. I love my alone time. I love my own company. And I spend it by listening to music. Nothing beats it for me..:-)

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  16. Alone time is the best time. and I actually blinked twice reading about the morning walks because that's exactly how i like to spend my early mornings - in solitude.

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  17. Solitude - I do believe we can never have enough of it if we truly want to connect with ourselves.

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  18. Cool post! Like solitude does not make one a loner!
    Always have enjoyed my quiet time as I can reflect on things better and get better perspective.

    - Dishit from Only the Crazy Survive!!!

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  19. ruchira i could have as well written this post; can so relate with it. yes a person who enjoys solitude need not necessarily be a loner. In solitude I revel :) BTW hope u r well !

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  20. Every one here say they love solitude...me too. I love 'ME' time. There are times when I do not want to speak at all. When on a holiday, I like to visit those places where tourists seldom go.

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  21. Not necessary that you make blog posting daily. Take sufficient rest and recover. And enjoy solitude while being in rest.
    Wish you back soon.
    Mrinal

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  22. I think, listen to music and enjoy my time. I need that time every single day.

    Get well soon. :)

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  23. Ruchire, same pinch :) Me a Capri too. No wonder we love the same things! Now I have to meet you to know more. When is your birthday?

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  24. Solitude is luxury for me at this point in time but I sneak in a lot of me-time on vacations. On a daily basis, I sleep a little late and rise a little earlier than my family to enjoy 'me-moments'.
    Take good care of yourself Ruchira :)

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  25. Very well said...i love my solitude :-)

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  26. Hope you feel better soon, Ruchira! Of course, I agree with this completely!

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  27. I simply love my "me" time thats what I call it!!

    Take care and get well soon :)

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