Daily Question, August 11 What have I learned about cherishing solitude? 24 Reflections Share Click here to cancel reply.Please log in or Create a Profile to post a comment. Notify me when someone replies to my comment via e-mail. Hot Sauce7 years agoHot SauceI believe that solitude and contact with others need to be balanced. Solitude is useful for learning new ways of innovating and thinking for the benefit of the world. It is where ethical ideas, sparks of compassion, and intellectual ideas that can help people arise. At the same time, contact with others is important so that we do not confuse ourselves with our own ideas. Listening only to ourselves leads to confusion about life, while only listening to others leads to conformity. It must be a ba... I believe that solitude and contact with others need to be balanced. Solitude is useful for learning new ways of innovating and thinking for the benefit of the world. It is where ethical ideas, sparks of compassion, and intellectual ideas that can help people arise. At the same time, contact with others is important so that we do not confuse ourselves with our own ideas. Listening only to ourselves leads to confusion about life, while only listening to others leads to conformity. It must be a balance of thinking and then hearing the ideas of others. As Confucius said, “He who learns without studying will be unorthodox; he who studies without learning will be a conformist.” Read More1 Reply James B7 years agoJames B“Loneliness is the poverty of self; solitude is richness of self.” ― May Sarton 2 Reply KC7 years agoKCAs summer draws to a close for another year (sorry!????), I look to September as an invitation to find a renewed balance between cherishing solitude and actively engaging in ‘real life’. As one who tends to overindulge in solitude, I look to this opportunity to re- engage in the activities, smoke, mirrors and hubbub of everyday life in renewed healthy, productive and joyful ways. Perhaps a dog or cat is a great companion for the anchoring in solitude and sanity bit! 4 Reply Antoinette7 years agoAntoinetteI have learned that solitude isn’t scary. In fact it’s a necessity element to open up the parts that have been hiding in me. Having said that, too much solitude makes it so I am unable to serve. I believe that there are times when it’s necessary to retreat to do the soul work we need to do at times. But we also must remain vigilant to serve and strive. Finding balance is the essential ingredient. 5 Reply Michael7 years agoMichaelThat being present to myself is peaceful — if I am truly present. 5 Reply Antoinette7 years agoAntoinetteSo true! 0 Reply Aine7 years agoAineI find that solitude is essential to restore me, especially after a lot of interaction. In the bustle there is often benefit, but when I can just be quiet and restore my tissues, as they say, it is a blessing. That said, even solitude must have its balance. I find that I can sometimes sink too deep into solitude, like an eel going into mud. We all need the mirrors of those around us as well as times of quiet aloneness. 5 Reply KC7 years agoKCBeautiful Aine! I love that phrase – solitude to restore our tissues! That so sums it up! Also, I resonate with your naming the temptation to dive too deeply and indulge in the mud! Indeed, the mirrors and energy of people and life around us are so essential! … 1 Reply Francine Marie Tolf7 years agoFrancine Marie TolfI have learned that one can be lonelier when among people than when by oneself. I am alone a lot and sometimes I do get lonely, but for the most part, I consider solitude a gift during which I can practice three of my favorite activities: reading, writing and walking. Finally, I have learned that solitude is best observed with a cat. 2 Reply Anne7 years agoAnneI believe very much in what you had to say Francine. I find solitude soulful, and also reflective, helped by writing, reading and for me, embroidering. Thank you for your insight. 1 Reply Francine Marie Tolf7 years agoFrancine Marie TolfA belated thank you, Anne. 0 Reply Ursula7 years agoUrsulaHi Francine, have you seen the film ‘Kedi’? I have just been to the cinema and it’s for cat people … Although I do not have animals, I read about the film and decided to see it. It’s about cats living in the streets of Istanbul and people who feed them. It’s a wonderful and poetic film! I recommend it! 1 Reply Francine Marie Tolf7 years agoFrancine Marie TolfUrsula, I have not seen the film, but now I will, thanks to you! Have a wonderful day. 0 Reply Aine7 years agoAineDogs, too! Don’t forget the dogs! All of our pack, pups and the cat who thinks he is a dog, are all quite willing to help with solitude enjoying! 1 Reply Francine Marie Tolf7 years agoFrancine Marie TolfRight you are, Aine! 0 Reply David7 years agoDavidEven in solitude I am never actually alone, there is always a false self to shadow box, the love of others in my life to dwell in, or the Mystery to embrace. 2 Reply Deb7 years agoDebSolitude enables me to go out into the realm of people and where life is lived for most people. When I was raising children, I would arise 2-3 hours before them to pray, be still, contemplate, remember what was most important. Now I am older and I continue to engage in solitude to re-member what is most important to me to live. Then I go “out” to live it. 5 Reply Anita7 years agoAnitaDeb… I love this. Thank you for sharing. I get up, when energy is with me to do so, and write. Sometimes I write prayers. Sometimes poetry. When I’m at peace within myself, I feel the presence and hear the voice of the Divine guiding me. I love this when it happens. 2 Reply Deb7 years agoDebKeep it going, Anita. It is a worthwhile practice! 0 Reply Christina7 years agoChristinaSolitude gives me a chance to commune with my Higher Power. It’s a refuge in the slate of responsibilities. Love this question, too, Kevin! 2 Reply Trevor7 years agoTrevorI have learned that cherishing solitude is something I am actually too fond of. While solitude is noble and worthy, I don’t need it. I just don’t need it. I do need people with the same values and lifestyle surrounding me however or solitude is much desired, lol. 2 Reply Michael7 years agoMichaelit is partially why I am up at 330 each morning. With 4 children and a vocation in which I work w the mental health of 5000 teenagers, I cherish that time in the morning. Jack Canfield calls it his hour of power. I call mine 30 to be sturdy hahhhhh. demo.gratefulness.org is a wonderful piece and peace in the morning. 6 Reply Kevin7 years agoKevinLove this question! Having opportunities to experience solitude, and to practice it frequently, frankly helps to keep me sane! In many ways I experience a measure of solidtude while writing or when using my camera on photography outings. Beach and trail walks, with occasional weekend retreats round out my personal needs for solitude. The rest of the time, I love being among people whether a few in number or a hundred. – Kevin 4 Reply Malag7 years agoMalagI need solitude and it grounds me. It’s a time out to let my brain reset. I can tune into the bigger themes of my life and I can more appreciate the minutest thing at the same time. I’m then more energised to engage with the hubbub. 5 Reply My Private Gratitude Journal Write an entry in your private gratefulness journal Get Started This site is brought to you by A Network for Grateful Living, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are fully tax deductible in the U.S.A. CONTRIBUTE https://demo.gratefulness.org/content/uploads/2015/03/GX-Gold-Participant-L.png Community Engagement Guidelines Privacy Policy [email protected] Connect with us on Social Media: © 2000 - 2024, A Network for Grateful Living Website by Briteweb
