How Solitude Renews Us

Language has created the word “loneliness” to express the pain of being alone. And it has created the word “solitude” to express the glory of being alone. Paul J Tillich, The Eternal Now

In today’s fast paced life we all seek peace and happiness. We set material goals and work toward achieving them. But, in doing so, we often neglect the call of our soul and as a result we are lonely, even among our friends or family. Why then, does everyone talks about this ME time? If we are so lonely, then why do we need “Me time”?

To me, “Me time” is time for self, when we are not lonely but are in solitude. As some wise man once said, “Loneliness kills but solitude vivifies.” Quiet time alone renews us and helps restore our life balance. Finding a little solitude in everyday life can improve energy levels and self confidence and helps to generate a happy and positive attitude toward life.

The difference between solitude and loneliness is very simple….when you are comfortable with yourself, with your silences and your fears and are ready to face them, then you cross the line from loneliness and enter solitude. Now you are ready to have an honest conversation with yourself. You cannot build up a character in a solitude; you need a defined character to appreciate solitude.

We live this life connected to the outside world and very often, we are disconnected from our own inner world. Too much time is spent chasing material things. We pursue dreams, money and passion in the hope that they will bring us peace. We are so determined to feed our bodies with possessions that we forget to nourish our souls and slowly the emptiness within starts to show on the outside. Feelings of depression and sadness begin to wash over us. When we forget to address our inner needs, emotional cracks begin to show.

We should pamper our souls the same way we pamper our bodies.

In solitude we begin an honest conversation with ourselves. We start to befriend ourselves and look into the mirror to confront and embrace our true selves. When we start accepting ourselves for what we are at that point in time, and are ready to grow, then we are able to make that transition from loneliness to solitude. We fall in love with ourselves. Yes we do and when we look back and admit to all our faults and pat ourselves for our achievements, we see our true character. We can then start a new relationship with ourselves and those close to us.

The courage to go within comes from life and living life to its full potential. It comes from exploring every opportunity life gives you and learning from your failures and victories. Your true personality is formed when you go through pain and difficulties and the way in which you handle them. Solitude is like shady trees planted on path of life, where you take refuge when your soul is tired. Ever so often you should stop a while and rest. In the words of Pearl S Buck, “Inside myself is a place where I live all alone, and that’s where I renew my springs that never dry up.”