This past week I had the opportunity to get away for a few days, just me. Not a vacation. To be good, vacation requires my family. This was different. The purpose of this was for me to be alone, which always reminds me of the importance of solitude and the benefits.
Solitude is not loneliness. Loneliness is sad and negative. Solitude is positive: the time and space to enjoy being with oneself – time out, some space to drop out of the rat race, step off the treadmill, turn off the noise, and maybe enjoy nature, or enjoy new inspiration and input.
Occasional solitude is essential. It offers significant benefits for mental and emotional well-being. Self-awareness, creativity, and productivity are all enhanced. Solitude is space for reflection, emotional processing, and personal growth, which may ultimately open the door to stronger relationships and a more fulfilling life.
Solitude gives us an opportunity to connect with ourselves, understand our thoughts and feelings, and identify our values and goals. It lets you explore personal interests and passions without being influenced by the opinions of others. When you step away from the cheerful noise of social interactions for awhile, your inner world comes into focus, and you can develop a deeper understanding of who you are.
Solitude can restore and recharge your inner and outer self, and even reduce stress and anxiety. Utilizing alone time can help process emotions, work through challenges, and develop coping mechanisms. Mindfulness and meditation practices, most often done in solitude, can enhance emotional regulation and mental clarity.
We are told, “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
This is something we often forget. When we do, we forget that we are NOT God. There is only One – He loves us and wants the best for us. When we forget this, our world begins to unravel.
Being silent and by yourself can be difficult at times – even scary – because in these alone moments you begin to have thoughts and go places in your mind you haven’t gone before, or at least for a very long time. This is vital, because solitude is the required tool for you to transform your bad habits and negative emotions. Being alone helps you see yourself clearly, repent of your mistakes, and usher in a new attitude and approach to life. Transformation requires a change in mental attitude, which makes solitude indispensable.