01/26/2022
Importance of solitude:
What does solitude mean to you? What does it bring up? To some solitude means that you need to avoid humans at all cost or does it make you feel like you are all alone.
In a world where the focus of orientation comes from our external experience we forget the importance of spending time with ourselves. It is also time to release the
excuse that you need to schedule long chunks of your time or hours of your day it simply requires moments of your time to connect within yourself. It can be a moment
of quiet reflection or simple pause to focus on the breath. An embrace of quiet alone time on a regular basis has the power to heighten your awareness of what's really going, improve your sense of well-being, and pay for itself by making you more efficient in how you spend your day.
Experiencing silence, stillness, and solitude does not necessarily demand that you be physically alone, sit quietly, cease purposeful activity or meditate. There are an infinite number of ways to practice this state of being. You may be driving a car, waiting in line, taking a shower, lying in bed, walking in a park, listening to music, gardening, swimming laps, and walking a dog.
Simple practices to start living comfortably in silence:
1. Turn off your phone-our phones eat a lot of our time. Just because the phone rings does not mean you need to answer the phone.
2.Set dedicated time for using technology/computer-If there's a computer in your bedroom, consider moving it so that it won't intrude on your sleep or relaxation. The same goes for the TV set, which too often takes the place of contemplation, intimate conversation, or lo******ng.
3.Detox from social media/news- Many of us feel the day hasn't really started until we read the newspaper or check the headlines on TV or radio. Yet news by definition is seldom positive or relaxing.
4.Enjoy some quiet time- Set time for quiet even when driving no distractions there is such a thing as sound pollution we just don't realize that our brains are like circuits that are constantly bombarded with information and silence reboots our nervous system.
5.Reflect on how your using your time- When was the last time you thought about how you invest your time? What is a priority? How many excuses are made to avoid silence?
Notice your tolerance to staying still with no distractions can you do it? Do you feel comfortable staying still? What feelings come up? Is your mind quiet or constantly rumbling? Practicing stillness/solitude is the first step toward self-awareness.