The Power of Solitude

In a fast-paced world where there’s so much happening almost at once and so many activities calling for our attention, it becomes easy to lose hold on the blessing of quietness. From our waking moments up until our bodies hit the bed again for a night’s sleep, our minds are bombarded with a myriad of information, all seeking to get a piece of our time and attention regardless of how they rate on our scale of importance. We somehow always feel the need to do something per time.

A typical daily routine for an average person if I could try to paint a picture goes something like this; a phone call or text message wakes you up. Maybe a loved one, or work. It is either a call to action, or to inaction. Depending on which it is, most often than not, that call or text message sets the order for the day. Now with your phone in hand, it becomes almost impossible to resist the temptation of going on the internet or social media platforms to acquaint yourself with the current happenings. It is just a normal thing to do. Or, is it?

You can go on to the bathroom to brush your teeth, or to the kitchen to make breakfast while still fiddling with your phone with one hand. Or maybe even turn on the TV to see what’s in the news while you respond to chats from friends on Facebook, Instagram, or Whatsapp. Whatever it may be for you, the point is that another day of noisy activities just commenced. And it runs autopilot for most of us. Before you know it, it’s 6 pm, and you cannot seem to account for a productive alone time. And sadly for most people, that is just how their 30 years or more of existence so far has run.

Why is solitude so important?

It is usually where the magic happens. Your ability to shut out the world’s noise, and step out of the moving train sometimes, helps you get in touch with an inner resource and strength that can only be accessed in an atmosphere of total quietness. Some of the greatest world-changing ideas and inventions were received in moments of deep reflection and stillness. Ever wondered why you don’t get so much creative work done? Check how much time you dedicate to just sitting still and reflecting or meditating. Usually, important information is better digested and deeper dimensions to it understood when you take the time to meditate.

The antidote to busyness and reactiveness is reflection says a wise man. Most of us pride ourselves in how busy we can be. And we flaunt the “I’m busy” line everywhere we go as though it is some medal of honor. Forgetting the fact that busyness does not necessarily translate into productivity. Worst so, most people are busy around the wrong things. And that’s where solitude comes in. Taking out time to be with yourself reflecting and meditating, helps you prioritize and emphasize the most important things. What’s the point climbing up to the top of a ladder only to realize it is leaning against the wrong wall?

Solitude is not a common practice in our world right now because we have sufficient enough amounts of distractions, but I propose that you make it a deliberate and intricate part of your daily routine. It does not only boost your creativity, but it also helps with the general wellbeing of your mind. Simple practices around it could be; taking long meditation walks, sitting still in your room with every gadget turned off, writing in your journal if you have one, and spending quality time in deep prayer and conversations with God.

Make this a habit, and you’re on your way to more productive living.

Shalom!

Biyama Joseph

#TheInfluencer