Solitude is just as important to us as Companionship.
Solitude gives us time to think...to dream...to explore. Time to do things we have always wanted to do. Time to figure out exactly what those things might be.
Alone is not synonymous with lonely. Sometimes people in the midst of their family or the midst of a crowd can be the loneliest people we know.
Sometimes we strive to fit in into our busy lives...other times we find ourselves thrust into it.
Nature abhors a vacuum and many people faced with solitude are panicked.
What to do...what to do next...what then...and how can I go to dinner or a movie (or a vacation) solo.
If we are not comfortable with our own company...in our own skin...how can we possibly be comfortable in the company of others?
Soon, take a day of solitude. Think monastery. Maybe go that step further and take a vow of silence.
Wake with the sun and birds. Fix a healthy breakfast. Wash your dish by hand. Take a walk. Observe. Really pay attention to life bustling around you. Explore. Dream. Learn something new. Try something new. Tend the flowers or garden. Read the paper at that al fresco Cafe enjoying their house lunch special. Take a Nap. Write a note. Or a poem. Or a song. Journal. Examine your feelings. Read a good novel while sipping Zin. Fix your favorite dinner. Consume it slowly. Savor every bite. Be mindful washing your dinner dishes by hand. Gratitude for the food strengthening your body. Take your time. Prepare a deep bubble bath and relax in it with candlelight and maybe a cup of tea or a bite of chocolate. Lotion your body. Towel dry your hair. If it is cold...throw your quilt in the dryer. If it is hot...stuff your pillow in the freezer for a while. When it is dark...go to Sleep.
Work your way up to a day trip...or a weekend getaway...somewhere you always wanted to see. Whether it is down the road or in Greece. Somewhere that has significance to you. If this is your first attempt at solo travel bring a journal to jot in or a camera to hide behind or a paperback to browse. A prop. It will slowly become more natural to you...until one day you may actually look forward to that week in New Orleans, or Athens, or Paris...just you...knowing that:
"I AM ENOUGH"
Because LIFE...like your favorite meal
is meant to be consumed slowly...and savored
to the last
bite.
