Solitude is addictive. Solitude is pleasure during leisure. A long distance train journey with no companion, the time spent on bed when the sleep is eluding, enjoying a walk alone along empty streets, looking at rains from the balcony sipping coffee- Solitude has the power to make these things pleasant. To quote Stephen Alter, its because of solitude that his walk becomes first draft of his story. Artists have often resorted to solitude. In fact, Einstein said that solitude stimulates a creative mind.
Solitude not like loneliness, which hurts you deep down. Loneliness is pain. Its different from solitude. Loneliness is being away from others. Solitude is being with oneself when nobody else is accompanying. As Paul Tillich says, loneliness expresses the pain of being alone and solitude expresses the glory of being alone.
One needs some time for self in the hectic world. I would call it recovery time. The proceedings of the world are seldom in harmony with one’s soul. It takes a lot to fight in this world when there is a basic incongruence in the internal and external environment. In such case, we need some time to recuperate. It helps us meet our better selves. This is the time that one can use for self-talk, self-assessment and self-motivation. Solitude is inspirational. Moreover, it is freedom. Freedom from the expectations and manipulations of the world…
Such moments are indeed required to think on one’s embarrassments and achievements, to think of the darkness within and to create own sunshine. Being with own self, accompanied only by the rhythm of our heart, and melody of our soul. It ignites the fire within. And this is the fire that can make the soul smile, and blossom.
“I have never found a companion that was so companionable as solitude.” ~Henry David Thoreau, Walden.
