Solitude

Spending time in wilderness solitude is a fascinating adventure. We sometimes think that spending time alone is unhealthy. Solitude provides a respite from the demands of social life and creates a space for personal healing. Paradoxically, spending time alone can soften our sense of alienation from others.

I've found that my desire to contribute to the lives of others deepens in solitude.

We each have social differences. a persona held in place by our interactions with other people. In dealing with people, my Persona begins to fade. (Shrink and swell).

we mortals need a variety of ways to cope with the resulting pressures. We need to maintain some semblance of balance and some sense that we are steering the ship of our life.

Solitude is a time that can be used for reflection, inner searching or growth or enjoyment of some kind. Deep reading requires solitude, so does experiencing the beauty of nature. Thinking and creativity usually do too.

We all need periods of solitude, although temperamentally we probably differ in the amount of solitude we need. Some solitude is essential; It gives us time to explore and know ourselves. It is the necessary counterpoint to intimacy, what allows us to have a self worthy of sharing. Solitude gives us a chance to regain perspective. It renews us for the challenges of life. It allows us to get back into the position of driving our own lives. Solitude restores body and mind. Loneliness depletes them.