I live a large part of my day in the absence of others. I do not mind. It is well that I be alone with my thoughts as I have much to consider. Henry David Thoreau has this to say on solitude: “I have a room all to myself; it is Nature.” – Henry David Thoreau. I find those words to be very relatable. To stay near what brings one comfort – provided it is not self-harming – is a worthy pursuit. Nature brings me comfort and I find it worthy of my pursuit.
Ask me what solitude is
The featured photo I shared today is one I connect with. It speaks of solitude – but not with just a few stray words, but in volumes. The solitary Swan on an expanse of barren ice. Ask me what solitude is and I will show you this print. Solitude is vibrant. It is being at one with Nature. Solitude energizes body, mind and spirit.
Solitude finds us
I believe solitude is something that finds us. If we were to pursue solitude, it would evade us. Solitude is found in the calm, the gentle whisper, the trickling twilight air currents that will ever so slightly cause the leaf to flutter. Solitude reaches out her arms and embraces us, filling us up with soft musical notes and prose. It is sweet nectar that nourishes our creative self.
Cross country skiing encounter
I remember cross country skiing across a small lake in Maplewood State Park. There was an ice fisherman, alone on the lake, out in the center. He had no shelter – was kneeling on the ice. It seemed clear to me I would be passing nearby. As I approached he looked up. We exchanged nods. I broke my stride and greeted him. We exchanged greetings. I asked the question, so cliché, ‘Catching anything?’ ‘Nope,’ was his response. I wished him better luck and he smiled. I skied on. Strange, our passing. I could have said more but I was entertaining my own thoughts as he was his. We couldn’t be interrupted.
Peace, be still
Moments of solitude in life. Breath is easy and deep. The mind is quiet. All is well. There is no tension. Muscles are relaxed. Here we come to reconcile life. The good and the challenges. They are all part of our life web. A web we play a hand in creating. A journal we author. Our lives , our happiness, our sorrows. Come to terms with all in solitude.
Closing
I hope you give time to yourself in a place solitude can find you. It is time well spent. If you have any thoughts you wish to share, contact me. If you want to check out more images depicting quiet and calm, I have a bunch of them at RedBarnProject.com. Check them out!
Still have questions on solitude? I think this passage well addresses our stormy lives and the calm that can be ours.
And He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. Mark 4:39
