Being alone people – solitude – what’s that all about?
We all have our our personal perspective on solitude, and it’s interesting to me how different the perspectives may range.
In college solitude to me meant not having a boyfriend. It never crossed my mind that I was never really alone, because I lived with 3 other girls, but nonetheless I thought I was solitary. Solitude back then = no boys.
Today solitude to me means a break from everyone and everything. My life constantly feels busy and hectic, and I crave the minor moments of solitude I’m granted each day. Most of the time I don’t know what to do with myself, but usually I like it - being alone.
My mom on the other hand hates her solitude. After 11 years of being divorced the silence of no one in her house is deafening. Being alone to her = being inadequate. This ultimately makes me sad for her.
My husband seeks solitude in waves. He recently has asked that I not come to work functions with him because I “steal the spotlight” … so to speak. So to him solitude = a break from being a husband. I don’t think this is fair. It makes me want to revert back into my own solitude. So does this mean seeking minor solitude = major solitude?
My brothers see solitude as a weakness. If you’re alone then you’re not doing something right. They think that you need to have people around you, things to impress them with, and plenty of people to dote on your fantastical ways. I find this to be more immature than anything.
And now – thinking about my plans for tonight - all I can think about is how I would like to be alone…with a book…and some wine.
Flush the day away.
There is a little death in solitude. Hence the common reaction to avoid it.
Hmmmm – I don’t know if I agree with that fully, but I fully understand why most avoid it’s [solitude] silent clutches.
because to be alone with ones thoughts can drive many people crazy?
and can I amend that to include the proper word – one’s thoughts
I probably spend a little too much time alone, but I’m not uncomfortable with it. It makes me appreciate the other moments that much more. A book and some wine tonight? Don’t mind if I do!
I live with quite a bit of solitude, most of it at work but some at home as well. It’s a blessing and a curse in equal parts. It gives me time to take stock of things and it gives me too much time to take stock in thing, which is depressing.
I’d rather have too much than not enough though.
Solitude can be a blessing…you get to do exactly what YOU want to do….but it’s also a curse…most things we do are better shared. Part of the magic of any wonderful thing is seeing it through someone elses eyes..seeing their joy, excitment, happiness makes it more for you. Knowing this I am confused my Jonathon’s wish you not be with him at work functions….yet, I understand his fear that you do sparkle too much….both of you could make adjustments and SHARE the good times and the bad…it’s better.
Solitude is never a weakness!
I love the picture you used
It doesn’t suprise me that so many people have negative views towards solitude. Have you ever seen the media glorify solitude or being alone? They are always communicating that its important to be popular and surrounded by lots of people and have everyone wanting you. People turn to the media to learn what it is to be ‘normal’. Perhaps some people ‘force’ themselves out of solitude. I used to; purely to uphold and create an image for myself for everyone else. I used to force myself to spend all my spare time around people, but I never really wanted to or enjoyed it much. These days I embrace it, and I am proud of it
Sorry, can’t help you brother. Best of luck – just a blog writer.