The Value of Solitude

Even if you are not an introverted individual such as myself, it is important to take time for YOU that is just FOR you. Often our self-care or our “me time” includes fun social events, hanging out with friends, or indulging our senses. All great ideas!

I am an odd ball of a human that spends a lot of time alone, and I like it that way. I like to paint, write, read,  meditate, walk, hula-hoop, skip, whatever… I find it fun and fulfilling.

Last weekend, I had plans to stay home and paint for an upcoming art show I have in July, but my neighborhood was hosting a noisy festival, and it was super hot, and I had zero focus. I had this urge to just “get out of town.” So I did something I haven’t done in over 10 years: I packed up the car and went camping ALONE.

And holy-moly I forgot how incredibly reviving it is. To just be quiet. I was craving nature: water, sunsets, stars, fire, trees/woods, and this strong urge to just sleep on the ground and be near the earth. I don’t know if it’s something I can explain, but I believe it is important for humans to disconnect from others and technology for a little while and be present with themselves.

What happens when you are alone? When you sit still? When you gaze at the skies, waves or trees? I know it changes me. I can go from scattered, anxious and foggy-brained, to calm, clear and content just by sitting and breathing and letting go of the mind-chaos. This is my meditation. My sanity in a crazy crazy world. Nature soothes my soul. Camping alone is my ultimate solitude.

MEDITATION WORKSHOP

So how can one reconnect on a daily basis, without packing up and leaving town? A good start might be investing in a meditation class, or workshop, or personal practice. Learn some techniques that work for you, there are so many available. You can meditate anywhere, and fit it into your personal schedule with as little as 5 minutes a day. It doesn’t take a lot of effort, but it does take commitment.

If you are interested in exploring some beginner meditation techniques, let me know. A few techniques we can explore are: breathing, gazing, walking, and visualization. Affirmations and intentions are often included in our meditations as well.

Treat yourself to some solitude. Time for yourself to rest and reset and reconnect.

Email me, Jenni, at gentle_hatha@live.com.