Alone Time

 

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‘Man cannot survive without air, water and sleep. Next in importance comes food. And close on its heels, solitude.’
Thomas Szasz

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Solitude is a lost art in these days of being constantly connected, and while I do like the benefits of this global community, I do think there is a need to step back from it on a regular basis.

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Some of my favourite activities include sitting in the garden, contemplating … walking, alone with my thoughts … disconnecting and just writing … finding quiet with a good novel … taking a hot bath.

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Do not get me wrong: I love being with loved ones, and walking with a friend or watching the sunset with my children are among my favourite things in the world.

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But solitude, in these days as much as ever, is an absolute necessity.

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Here are a few of the benefits I have found from solitude:

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Time for thought

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In being alone, we get to know ourselves

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We face our demons, and deal with them

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Space to create

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Space to unwind, and find peace

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Time to reflect on what we have done, and learn from it.

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Isolation from the influences of other helps us to find our own voice

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Quiet helps us to appreciate the smaller things that get lost in the business of life.

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There are many more benefits, but that is to get you started. The real benefits of solitude cannot be expressed through words, but must be found by doing it.

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Plan time in your schedule where you can ‘disconnect‘ and on unwind in solitude on a regular basis. Make a space today to have  time alone.

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‘The person who has not learned to be happy and content while completely alone for an hour a day, or a week has missed life’s greatest serenity.’
H. Clay Tate