The dictionary definition of solitude is a state of being alone or
secluded. in other words, not be very gregarious or being in a state of
isolation and seclusion. For some people, myself included, solitude is
usually associated with a sense of calm and peacefulness. In today's
world where we have unlimited and easy access to information about
anything, anyone or anywhere, life is very fast paced. There is so much
to do so much to see, but everyone is constantly in such a hurry and
rushing through their life. These days we hardly have the time, or even
take out the time, to just pause for a second and look around; i mean
REALLY look around and think about what they have just observed or
experienced.
For me, this time of solitude and reflection comes at the end of the day, when most people set their alarms for the next morning (resting their body & mind to rush through another long and busy day) and go to sleep; too fatigued to do anything else. When the darkness and silence of the night sets in, I lie awake in bed simply enjoying the solitude; enjoying some "me time". I think it is imperative that as individuals we should all take time-out and spend some quality time alone with ourselves, or at least try. I like to make use if this time in order to reflect on the day's events, on what I did, who I met, what they said to me and what I said to others etc. It is only after assessing my day, do I realize any mistakes or flaws made on my part and decide what to avoid and what not to do. I know popular belief is that "you are your own worst critic". However, contrary to popular belief i strongly feel that there are times when only you can be your own best critic; after all no one knows you better than yourself.
When in solitude, I dont just reflect about who i am as an individual, but I also contemplate on the various global issues. I know that some of these issues are too big for me to have and affect on, but i believe that each one of us can play a small role on our part to ameliorate various other smaller problems. Sure i just spent the last four years of my life doing a degree in International Relation, but it doesnt take a politician to come up with an idea or ideology per se. Every individual is unique and has a mind set of their own. If instead of blindly following what others do, taking out a few minutes of solitude will not only benefit you but will also help stimulate the mind allowing you to come up with thoughts and ideas more clearly that might be useful to you and others around you.
I understand that certain people dont suit well with the idea of being in solitude with pin drop silence. My suggestion for them is not to take solitude in its literal sense. solitude does not have to be physical, it can also be mental solitude. One of my favorite ways of enjoying mental solitude away from home is in a coffee shop. The place could be crowded and over flowing with customers, but all I have to do is find a nice corner, order a nice hot cup of coffee and read a good book or just lose myself in my thoughts.
For some reason people seem to associate the act of thinking deeply and reflecting with philosophy. Yes i admit that i have a great love and passion for philosophy but it doesnt take an philosopher to think. Everyone owes him or herself some time in solitude.
For me, this time of solitude and reflection comes at the end of the day, when most people set their alarms for the next morning (resting their body & mind to rush through another long and busy day) and go to sleep; too fatigued to do anything else. When the darkness and silence of the night sets in, I lie awake in bed simply enjoying the solitude; enjoying some "me time". I think it is imperative that as individuals we should all take time-out and spend some quality time alone with ourselves, or at least try. I like to make use if this time in order to reflect on the day's events, on what I did, who I met, what they said to me and what I said to others etc. It is only after assessing my day, do I realize any mistakes or flaws made on my part and decide what to avoid and what not to do. I know popular belief is that "you are your own worst critic". However, contrary to popular belief i strongly feel that there are times when only you can be your own best critic; after all no one knows you better than yourself.
When in solitude, I dont just reflect about who i am as an individual, but I also contemplate on the various global issues. I know that some of these issues are too big for me to have and affect on, but i believe that each one of us can play a small role on our part to ameliorate various other smaller problems. Sure i just spent the last four years of my life doing a degree in International Relation, but it doesnt take a politician to come up with an idea or ideology per se. Every individual is unique and has a mind set of their own. If instead of blindly following what others do, taking out a few minutes of solitude will not only benefit you but will also help stimulate the mind allowing you to come up with thoughts and ideas more clearly that might be useful to you and others around you.
I understand that certain people dont suit well with the idea of being in solitude with pin drop silence. My suggestion for them is not to take solitude in its literal sense. solitude does not have to be physical, it can also be mental solitude. One of my favorite ways of enjoying mental solitude away from home is in a coffee shop. The place could be crowded and over flowing with customers, but all I have to do is find a nice corner, order a nice hot cup of coffee and read a good book or just lose myself in my thoughts.
For some reason people seem to associate the act of thinking deeply and reflecting with philosophy. Yes i admit that i have a great love and passion for philosophy but it doesnt take an philosopher to think. Everyone owes him or herself some time in solitude.
No comments:
Post a Comment