Tuesday 101130
SOLITUDE
The importance of Solitude in life.
Staying connected in todays world seems automatic and constant.......yet to yourself, are you?
Whether it is family, friends, work or obligations, we are interacting through the phone, texting, email, without ever disconnecting and this is the norm.
Through these connections and social culture people will always talk of its importance. Some become so entrenched in it they reach popularity status and are often envied. Those that choose to do their own thing or are outside of the circle, are thought of as closed off or weird.
Denying the importance of social interaction and contact is downright silly, I would like to point out the value in separation and solitude.
Absolutely alone, with you, yourself, out in the middle of nowhere, maybe nature or just totally disconnected from your surroundings. That deeply profound feeling. It is in this state of thought that you connect deep with yourself and seem to have a certain line of thinking one can only get by being here. These thoughts, feelings and sensations coming at you dont ever get the chance during your chaotic daily grind.
We are social people by nature, yet we are not always around others. In times of our ancestors, they were often alone, seaching for food, fishing, maybe lost in searching a new trail or simply looking for a new place to live. It is in this time, that history has been tied to spirituality or enlightenment. These times alone you are able to hear yourself think, clarity is at your fingertips. You are not only connected with your thoughts, but with God, nature and all that surrounds you.
Everyone needs to completely get away every now and again..... all alone, only YOU. This does not mean being a couch potato. It can be out in your garden, a specific time you close the door and there are no distractions, meditation, perhaps a long bike ride (one of my favorites). Have you ever been hiking?
Jesus spent time praying early in the morning..... and He had clarity and purpose like no other! Solitude brings healthy living, relieves stress, and a host of other benefits. It is just as important as social interaction, if not more.
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God"
~Philippians 4:6~
“Never mistake activity for achievement.”
~John Wooden~
BE FOCUSED and RISE ABOVE
Ryland
