Solitude: The Bearable Lightness of Being

"Does being alone sometime give you a very deep and rare sense of contentment? If yes, then consider yourself fortunate enough to enjoy such state of bliss called Solitude. There is an important distinction to be established right off the bat. There is a world of difference between solitude and loneliness, though the two terms are often used interchangeably. From the outside, solitude and loneliness look a lot alike. Both are characterized by solitariness. But all resemblance ends here."

Solitude: The Bearable Lightness of Being

In our modern world, we often define ourselves in terms of our relationships with others but forget the relationship that we share with our inner selves. Solitude is the best way to get to know ourselves.

Does being alone sometime give you a very deep and rare sense of contentment? If yes, then consider yourself fortunate enough to enjoy such state of bliss called Solitude. There is an important distinction to be established right off the bat. There is a world of difference between solitude and loneliness, though the two terms are often used interchangeably. From the outside, solitude and loneliness look a lot alike. Both are characterized by solitariness. But all resemblance ends here.

Very often, we mistake solitude with loneliness. Its only when we experience solitude in the true sense that we discover the difference. Loneliness is marked by a sense of isolation. Solitude, on the other hand, is a state of being alone without being lonely and can lead to self-awareness.

As the world spins faster and faster or maybe it just seems that way when an email can travel around the world in fractions of a second, we mortals need a variety of ways to cope with the resulting pressures. We need to maintain some balance and some sense that we are steering the ship of our life rather than being driven by it. Otherwise we feel overloaded and overreact to minor annoyances and feel like we can never catch up - the best way to catch up with life is by seeking and enjoying solitude.

Loneliness is negative but Solitude is positive

Loneliness is a negative state, marked by a sense of isolation. One feels that something is missing. It is possible to be with people and still feel lonely; perhaps it is the bitterest form of loneliness.

On the contrary, solitude is the state of being alone without being lonely. It is a positive and constructive state of engagement with oneself. Solitude is desirable, a state of being alone where you provide yourself wonderful and sufficient company.

Solitude aids Inner Search

Solitude is a time that can be used for reflection, inner searching, growth or enjoyment of some kind. Deep reading, thinking and creativity require solitude and so does experiencing the beauty of nature.

Solitude suggests peacefulness stemming from a state of inner richness. It is a means of enjoying the silence, and whatever it brings is satisfying from which we draw sheer sustenance. It is something we cultivate. It is refreshing; an opportunity to renew ourselves. In other words, it replenishes us!

But if we talk about loneliness, it is akin to harsh punishment, a state of deficiency, a state of discontent marked by a sense of estrangement, an awareness of excess aloneness. Solitude is something you choose. Loneliness is imposed on you by others.

Everybody needs Solitude

We all need periods of solitude, although temperamentally we probably differ in the amount of solitude we need. But some solitude is essential; it gives us time to explore and know ourselves. It is the necessary counterpoint to intimacy, what allows us to have a self worthy of sharing.

Solitude gives us a chance to regain perspective. It renews us for the challenges of life. It allows us to get back into the position of driving our own lives, rather than having them run by schedules and demands. Solitude can bring enjoyment and excitement to your life. Solitude does not have to be living your whole life alone. But, solitude is always there when you need it. It helps you escape from the troubles or even boring times in your life.

If you think that solitude is not even worth trying, you should reconsider. Solitude can help you live a very happy, exciting, somewhat trouble-free life-if you take advantage of it.

Solitude is blossoming of the Divine Flower

Solitude restores body and mind whereas loneliness depletes them. Solitude is a great tool to work on self to know the working of the mind, to reconnect with one's being. Masters of all religions have always laid great stress on being alone so that your degree of awareness grows. It is cutting our self away from the maddening paraphernalia of the world and moving inwards inch by inch closer to our divinity.

The beauty of solitude is further enhanced when the divine love blossoms in our heart. Initially it can be very taxing as seeing the reality of our wicked mind frustrates us more. The maddening thought processes of the mind, ghosts of the past begin to torture more and more.

But if one stays with tolerance and doesn't run away from solitude, then the real essence of being in solitude opens up.

Posted in Spirituality, March-April 2007, Mind | March 1st, 2007

NOTE: If this page was accessed during a web search you may wish to browse the sites listed below where this topic or related issues are discussed in detail to promote global peace, religious harmony, and spiritual development of humanity:

www.adishakti.org/
www.al-qiyamah.org/
www.adi-shakti.org/  — Divine Feminine (Hinduism)
www.holyspirit-shekinah.org/  — Divine Feminine (Christianity)
www.ruach-elohim.org/  — Divine Feminine (Judaism)
www.ruh-allah.org/  — Divine Feminine (Islam)
www.tao-mother.org/  — Divine Feminine (Taoism)
www.prajnaaparamita.org/  — Divine Feminine (Buddhism)
www.aykaa-mayee.org/  — Divine Feminine (Sikhism)
www.great-spirit-mother.org/  — Divine Feminine (Native Traditions)

"Now, the principle of Mother is in every, every scripture - has to be there." Shri Mataji, Radio Interview 1983 Oct 01, Santa Cruz, USA