Gift Of Solitude

When Isolation Is Ok

We all need time alone. Even those of us who are social butterflies need sometime to ourselves. Solitude is necessary for meditation and quiet reflection. Wealso may choose to isolate ourselves when we are busy and need to meet adeadline. We may cherish time alone when we want to give ourselves over to artor music, lose ourselves in a good book, or delve into a personal project.Having time to ourselves allows us to focus completely on our yoga practice orget into the zone while running or strength training. Sometimes we need to bealone to simply do nothing but enjoy the sound of silence. Our alone timerevitalizes and replenishes us, grounding us in our own company.

Yet, too much isolation, especially when our intention is to hide, withdraw, ornot deal with the realities of our lives is not physically, mentally, orspiritually healthy. It is during moments like these when being in isolationtakes us away from our lives, rather than enhancing it. If anything, too muchisolation can create a buffer whereby we don't have to deal with our problems.Sometimes, pushing ourselves to deal with our issues and be in our lives, ratherthan isolate, is one of the best gifts we can give to ourselves.

Also, just as it is important for us to have our "alone" time, we need toremember that as human beings, we are by nature social creatures that thrive onhuman contact. Our lives cannot occur in a vacuum, and we cannot fully live inthis world without interacting with others. Consider using isolation as timespent for rest, reinvigoration, and personal growth. Isolation can then not onlyempower you, but it can allow you to return to your work and your relationshipsrestored and ready for life.