This world has been buzzing lately; a lot of energy swilling in many ways.
Amongst the noise, creation, and some chaos, I am noticing that the simple act of being alone - has nearly become a lost art.
We’re now accustomed to constant notifications, endless group chats, and a collective fear of missing out that solitude can feel uncomfortable or even lonely. Yet, to UnManic your Monday, I’d like to offer a different perspective waiting to be discovered. One where silence and stillness open a door to inner wisdom, creativity, and spiritual expansion.
I am curious to know how you see solitude and silence differing, or maybe you don’t?
I see solitude as the intentional act of withdrawing from social or external engagements to be with yourself. Silence, on the other hand, can occur in solitude or in community, as it’s more about the absence of spoken words.
Lately, I’ve noticed the most profound insights (not always super comfortable, and certainly some that don’t make immediate sense) come when I am in intentional silence - without the chatter of social media or the pressure to fill the air with conversation. It’s almost as though Spirit has more room to speak when the noise of daily life quiets down.
If you find yourself craving deeper stillness, consider giving yourself the gift of a personal retreat - or event just a mini retreat in your home. Block off a day or a weekend to unplug, turn inward, and let the outer noise subside.
For those who feel drawn to communal solitude, there are retreat opportunities that provide silent and solitary spaces within a shared environment of like-minded seekers (stay tuned in this space for more to come here).
Solitude doesn’t have to mean isolation; it can be a shared intent to be present with oneself. If full-day solitude feels daunting, begin with 30 minutes or an hour. Turn off notifications, put your phone aside, and simply be with yourself. Use this time to journal, meditate, or just gaze out the window. The key is to allow your mind to unwind without external distractions.
A Practice for This Week
Set a Solitude Intention: Pick a specific time - maybe early morning or before bed - to unplug completely. State your intention: “I allow myself this space to be alone, silent, and receptive.”
Observe Your Inner Landscape: During your solitude, notice what thoughts, emotions, or ideas arise. Resist the urge to judge or label them. Simply witness your inner world.
Practice Gentle Engagement: If restlessness sets in, engage in a calming activity like slow yoga stretches, mindful walking, or writing in a journal. This helps channel any restless energy in a positive direction.
Reflect on Insights: At the end of your solitude session, take a moment to note any insights or ideas you received. Did you feel calmer, more creative, or a deeper connection to yourself? Write down your observations, and consider how you might expand on these moments in the future.
By embracing solitude, we nourish parts of ourselves that can’t flourish in the rush of daily life. In these quiet spaces, we reconnect with our most profound truths, creativity flows more freely, and spiritual guidance can reach us without interference. That has been happening for me big time lately (stay tune - more to come on that)!
And when we re-emerge from our intentional solitude - whether it’s after an hour or a weekend retreat - we bring back a clearer, more centered version of ourselves to share with others.
Wishing you the courage to explore solitude, and the grace to find peace in the silence.
Sent from a loving and quiet space,
Alara
