Why is Being Alone Important Too?

 Solitude: The Art of Being Alone Without Being Lonely

They say being lonely is as dangerous for one's health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. But does that mean we should be surrounded by people 24/7? Does that mean being alone and lonely share the same equation? There’s a beautiful concept of solitude that has the key to these questions.

I have this habit of being on my own, escaping to take a walk with myself on my college campus. My friends often say, “Sonal, don’t roam around alone, you might get lost.” (I have quite a reputation for it ;) ). I know there’s a tint of care in their dialogues but what can I say? I’m a sucker for solitude. I crave such moments where I can be with myself, where I can converse with the person residing in me, and where I can peek within myself to explore, enhance, and embrace myself. 

Well, that’s my love for solitude but do you know what real benefits solitude can serve us? How reserving some “me time” can become a gateway to happiness? Let’s explore the answers to these questions and more!

Solitude Versus Loneliness

Though the terms Solitude and Loneliness are sometimes used interchangeably, there’s a thin line separating them both. One common road that they follow is the state of being alone. The divergence that draws them apart is the purpose serving that road, the urge, the thoughts and emotions accompanying it, and its nature.  

Loneliness is an undesirable negative state where one yearns for someone’s presence; there’s a feeling of vacuum that the person tries to fill. In contrast, solitude is a positive and exploratory state where one desire for their own company. It’s being alone while not being lonely, allowing the person to engage with themselves. Loneliness might be imposed while solitude is chosen. 

Loneliness makes the person dwell in misery, and feel discontented. On the contrary, solitude imbibes a feeling of bliss, and pure contentment with the time spent alone. Solitude rejuvenates the mind and body whereas loneliness drains out a person.

Why is Solitude Important?

• Knowing thyself: Solitude helps in pausing the hustle and bustle of everyday life and glancing at a mirror to see one's inner reflection. Uncovering the innermost layers of Self. Taking out time to get to know oneself better. If you are on a mission of understanding others then how can you forget to understand the most important person, 'yourself' first? And to know, giving oneself the deserving time is the key! 

• It allows you to love who you are: Spending time with yourself allows you to shift your focus from filters to the real picture. Solitude teaches us to embrace all our flaws, the scars, and the beauty within. And when you accept the real you, you begin pouring love unconditionally. Let's put it this way, you meet an amazing person residing within you and you can't resist but fall deeper in love with them. And it gives you the power to sprinkle that love on others as well. 

• It boosts creativity: Thinking out of the box needs one to jump out from the chaotic box of the world. Taking out some time for oneself opens the door to creativity. When the mind is away from all the strings of the world and close to peace, you witness a spark of creativity. The alone time becomes a channel for all the ideas yearning to come out. The creative juices flow with more speed and sweetness.

• It enhances mental health: Cherishing solitude is a wonderful way to make sure that your mental and emotional health is taken care of. In the marathon of life, we often forget to take a pause and breathe. We forget to feed our mind with the peace it craves for. Solitude allows us to discover that peace and inculcate healthier habits. It helps in clearing the clutter of your mind and fuels a relaxed state.

It allows you to unplug from the world and reconnect with yourself and your innermost thoughts and emotions. It can aid in reducing stress and anxiety, and it can also help to give you the space and time to focus on yourself and your goals.

 

How to Indulge in Solitude?

Solitude is a great way to refresh and rejuvenate yourself. Here are some ways to practice solitude:

1. Take a long walk in nature. Let the fresh air caress you softly and eliminate the harshness of time. Feel the beauty of the landscape and the peacefulness of being alone.

2. Unplug for a day. Put away the devices and screens to which your eyes and mind are glued. Spend some time reading, writing, or painting in a quiet and serene environment.

3. Practice meditation. Find a quiet spot and focus on your breathing, or listen to a guided meditation.

4. Spend an afternoon in a museum or gallery. Enjoy the art without having to engage with other people.

5. Find a peaceful go-to place in your home and spend some time there. Listen to soothing music, drink some herbal tea, and take some time for yourself.

6. Go to a cafe alone. Bring a book, journal, or a project you can work on and enjoy some alone time.

7. Engage yourself in the things you relish. Go on a solo date and shower some love on yourself.

You move towards growth and fulfilment when you reflect upon yourself. You become more aware of what's brewing in that mind and that invites contentment to your door. Enjoy your company, pamper yourself a bit, be your best friend, and explore yourself and new realms of life. Give yourself permission to savour the silence and be grateful for the chance to take some much-needed time off.

Solitude is a great way to dig deeper within yourself and find yourself in this extremely crowded world. So, are you ready to reconnect with yourself? 

How did you find this article? What importance does solitude hold for you?  Let me know in the comments below! :)