My desire for Solitude...... Sometimes.

Thrill Seekers and Fellow Time Travellers, ever since my Stroke in 2016 I have, in a disciplined manner developed the desire to bring periods of Solitude back into my life.

Hopefully you have read about “my special place” I sit every afternoon; also, that I like to walk alone every day. This practice of seeking these time outs has become, like other elements of my ongoing rehab, an integral part of my day.

When I look back over my Pre-Stroke Life, Solitude was a casualty of my days – The Balance fulcrum was askew.

So, after a period of contemplation, I was convinced that the time was right for me to rekindle to reinject solitude into my days.

Gang, why am I telling you this? – Well once again, after speaking with a fellow ‘Strokie” this week, who went through the same process I think I should share this as part of my Giving Back Strategy.

If you think this subject is a bit self-indulgent or “A bit off the Wall”, well that is ok by me.

For some, seeking a degree of Solitude can often bring a feeling of loneliness, however, much has been scribed exploring the possible benefits of being alone.

Solitude, according to the Renaissance poet-philosopher Petrarch rehabilitates the soul, corrects morals, renews affections, erases blemishes, purges faults, (and) reconciles God and man.”

To me, I see four benefits of solitude, which have enriched me. There may be more, but as I sit with pen in hand at my special Spot [my Park Seat], allow me to elaborate.

In no order, these benefits are -

Freedom to do what you want – when you want.

Often the first benefit identified by those who enjoy solitude is the leisure and liberty it provides.

There is freedom in space. You can (proverbially) get around in your underwear, and who’s to know?

There is the release from the needs and demands of others. And there may be freedom in time, also. In solitude, we may do, think, imagine, and pay easy attention to whatever pleases us.

Reconnecting with yourself.

Solitude allows us to withdraw from the external objects [computer screens, mobile], demands, tasks and distractions crowding our days.

All the energies we have distributed so widely, in different relationships, projects and pursuits can regather themselves and focus on you

In this environment we may reconnect to aspects of ourselves we usually don’t have time for. This may not always be pleasant

But by periodically reassessing who we are, even when it throws up confronting desires, harrowing fears, or humbling insights, may be renewing.

This explains that in many cultures, rites of passage often involve periods of enforced withdrawal from the wider group. If a person can’t be content in their own company, the odds are they will not be happy around others either!

Finding your ‘inner citadel’

Solitude can enable us to recharge; It allows you to take a step back from ordinary life. It also enables us to cultivate a valuable inner distance from the pressures, shocks ,and follies that usually beset us.

We can set aside a space [a seat in a park for example\} a room, a special spot in the garden, "your own citadel" just for you.

Seeing the bigger picture.

In our every day life, the horizons of our concerns are practical and short-range. We are too busy to take stock — fearing and desiring what is coming up today, next week, next month or next year.

We live in the Moment. Ferried along in this manner, years can pass without noticing. Solitude gives us the means to recall the bigger picture.

To quote a corporate adage “We often look at the trees, ignoring the forest”.

Our lives are quietly passing by; there are good people who we too often take for granted; we have neglected many things we deeply wanted to do.

I am in my late 70’s\{78 to be exact\} as I write this, and I often wonder where my 50s and 60s have gone- they seemed to flash by - two ticks on the Cosmic Clock of Life.

My episode in 2016 has reintroduced me to the concept of Taking Time Out on a regular basis.

Reader, do it too before Life Flashes By, you may even rediscover your true self......I did!

I Did.