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Daily Question, November 21

What have I learned about the gifts of solitude?

  • Sandra R.

    I enjoy time alone as well as time with others. Spending time alone allows me to reflect or just be…time with others allows me the social outlet I enjoy. Both are important to me.

  • Malag

    I like being alone. Walking on my own, meditation, having the place to myself., silent retreats. It’s a busy house so alone time is important to me. I get space to ground, to think, to just be. And then there’s more of me to engage with others after I have had that space to go into..

  • Jazzmina

    I’m realizing how important it is for me to have time to work on and explore my inner world. Knowing myself better and understanding how much I enjoy silence have both been gifts of solitude.

  • reality

    That increasing of one’s solutioning with reality, and it’s concentrations, can and should always continue; for, when walking a path with more than one, one can and must know what, where, how, when, who and sometimes why too (yet, never Y2K), ever asked and never answered- one’s path of heart 🙂 reality

  • GCharlotte

    The gifts of solitude contain the moments that recreate the time joined.

  • Elizabeth M Jones

    God is present in the silence. In the darkness, in the suffereing, in the pain. that is where God is most present.

  • Tom
    The gift of solitude has taught me new ways of knowing and being with myself. I have learned that there is a constant inner dialogue. As it is true for most of us, often that dialogue is a bit aggressive in nature…telling me I should do something to be worthy or reminding me to be fearful. These are really just stories that get recycled and they do not need to be believed. These are gifts and learning moments because I gain perspective that point towards the completeness and wholeness of being...

    The gift of solitude has taught me new ways of knowing and being with myself. I have learned that there is a constant inner dialogue. As it is true for most of us, often that dialogue is a bit aggressive in nature…telling me I should do something to be worthy or reminding me to be fearful. These are really just stories that get recycled and they do not need to be believed. These are gifts and learning moments because I gain perspective that point towards the completeness and wholeness of being necessary to the fabric of life. From solitude comes the feeling of belonging and sharing with others something larger than myself. I am more than the regrets, fears, triumphs, and joyful moments. I learn that I am necessary, authentic and unique….I contain a basic goodness that cannot be separated from me or the whole of creation.

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    • reality
      Sometimes one’s superficial seemingly almost always on voice in one’s head isn’t actually theirs; psychic forces can immitate a person’s own psyche to the point at which a person actually thinks it’s “their inner-voice”, or self-babble, when it’s not. When in solitude, sitting Zazen or however, allowing the quiet of the place, room to be more so, one can allow their own thought and feelings that might initiate them to relax at first, then they may lessen over time- as one’s bo...

      Sometimes one’s superficial seemingly almost always on voice in one’s head isn’t actually theirs; psychic forces can immitate a person’s own psyche to the point at which a person actually thinks it’s “their inner-voice”, or self-babble, when it’s not. When in solitude, sitting Zazen or however, allowing the quiet of the place, room to be more so, one can allow their own thought and feelings that might initiate them to relax at first, then they may lessen over time- as one’s body also continually relaxes.. That lessening will allow a second sight, if you’ll allow, to one’s thoughts. And as one weeds out the thoughts they discern don’t enliven them, uplift life, etc., continually in their life, so too they can do it whilst in that after-stage of meditation. This will realize a finding oneself at the gate of their mind’s thought processes eventually; and there one can discern, without, one’s thought and original thought, and choose betwixt them. I.m.h.o. 🙂 reality

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  • Javier Visionquest

    I meet hundreds of people a day and, as an introvert, I can say that my experience on the extroversion end of the spectrum for an average eight hour shift is like offering up my energy on a buffet table of all-you-can-eat off-color quips and and backhanded compliments. The introvert recharges in solitude

  • Tom Denham

    My life with others is better when I have regular periods of solitude. I can lose myself with others, so I need time alone to find myself. I love silent retreats where I live in community for several days, but walk and pray alone much of the time. I heal in various ways. On the one occasion when I made an 8-day retreat, I became much calmer, more unflappable, and slept more deeply and longer. A 2-day retreat is okay, but I am needing another 8-day I think.

  • Ann

    The more alone-time I choose to have, the more I find that I am better able to strengthen my practice of living from gratefulness such that I can carry that feeling into my day of activities and interact with others who are not in such a place within themselves.

  • Dottie

    It is where I hear my angels, my guides and my High Self. It is where I remember that all is well.

  • in solitude I’ve learned most about my relationships. it was painful to confront myself, to look honestly, to let go… and now I am at a point where solitude has become one of my refuges, a place where I know I can make peace within myself and with the world. being forced to look was a gift and it’s value was hidden at first… ?

  • Christina

    Love it. Stuff happens inside through “nothing days.” Love them.

  • Mark Piper
    In new ways, recently, I have discovered just how great a gift solitude is. However, I have also learned that I need to better incorporate it into life without making an idol of it or bastardizing it. That is, I cannot crave solitude like an addict may crave their substance of choice, I cannot turn the good of solitude into a negative by way of escapism (avoiding responsibilities and in person interactions). It's a very good gift, just like free-will... and I am learning to better appreciate it ...

    In new ways, recently, I have discovered just how great a gift solitude is. However, I have also learned that I need to better incorporate it into life without making an idol of it or bastardizing it. That is, I cannot crave solitude like an addict may crave their substance of choice, I cannot turn the good of solitude into a negative by way of escapism (avoiding responsibilities and in person interactions). It’s a very good gift, just like free-will… and I am learning to better appreciate it and not to misuse it.

    Read More
  • sunnypatti

    Learning to sit with myself has helped me see the parts of me that I covered up for so long. Those are the things that held me back from growth and love. Through solitude, I have gained a strong connection with God, and this has allowed me to see myself and love myself and be the best me for everyone I encounter. I value my solitude and am grateful that I can be alone with myself and God and nature where that wasn’t always possible before.

  • Michele

    I enjoy the peace and quietness of solitude. It’s an opportunity to be grounded and really know yourself and be self sufficient.

  • Cathy

    Being at a place in life where I am alone much of the time, I’ve centered on separating solitude from loneliness. Solitude seems to be an intentional practice, set apart from the state of being alone.

    • Debra

      Cathy: Thank you for raising solitude vs. loneliness. I am learning firsthand the immense difference between the two and am embracing the joy solitude provides me at every opportunity I allow the present to flow and ‘let go’ of ‘shoulds, worries and what ifs’.

  • Sarah

    I cherish the gift of solitude in my morning devotional practice. Carving out this precious time prepares me with spiritual armor before embarking on the day.

  • Anan

    Living in solitude was not easy for me even though, I still have my family and my friends. But sometimes, I feel lonely. And I know it’s ok to feel like that because when I’m alone, I can listen to my inner voice and find myself easier. I embrace my sorrows. And for me, those things are the gifts of solitude that I’ve learned so far. 

  • Kevin

    I love periods of solitude and I am long overdue for some! I say “periods” of it because I am also a people person and I enjoy being among people just as much as I enjoy being totally alone. One of the gifts of solitude is that it returns me to my “center” and fortifies me for returning to the clatter and hubbub of the world we live in.

    • Ose

      I love the balance in your way of dealing with it, dear Kevin. Thanks for sharing!

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