Solitude Research Paper
Solitude
Solitude is often feared or avoided because it is associated with isolation, abandonment, or loneliness. Yet for some people solitude is the occasion for the most serene, intense or exhilarating moments in life. Being alone may provide the necessary setting for spiritual search and attempt to understand life's meaning. Solitude is a time to enjoy one's sense of self. For a person to really experience solitude, it must be sought out with expectation and gratitude.
Everyone is not happy being alone. Many people avoid time alone because they are uncomfortable in that state. In "The Reward of Living a Solitary Life", May Sartons states "that, suddenly alone, he would discover that he bored himself, or that there was, quite simply, no self there to meet" (880). These people may experience …show more content…
boredom or even fear at the prospect of being by themselves. Rather than enjoying a time of solitude, they feel discomfort and even misery. This is true loneliness. People who cannot feel happiness alone often do not understand the beauty of solitude. Those who seek solitude, on the other hand, have a sense of peace and contentment wash over them when they enjoy an activity by themselves. Solitude can be spent reading, writing, walking, cooking, or any activity that is renewing when experienced alone. May Sarton said, "For me the most interesting thing about solitary life, and mine has been that for the last twenty years, is that it becomes increasingly rewarding" (881). It can be a time of personal growth and contribute to well-being. In solitude, many people re-create themselves or at least re-connect with that sense of self. To those who need solitude, it is an essential time that must be carved out of each day or at least every few days. It is a type of nourishment that is necessary to keep one's soul or spirit alive.
Solitude is what I would describe as total awareness of myself.
That moment when I am so relieved to be alone, in the quiet, grateful for a moments peace. The moment when I stop and breathe to take the time to enjoy the beauty of my surroundings is the moment of tranquility. May Sarton says, "Alone one is never lonely" (880). To choose solitude willingly, is to experience the joy of so many things. Solitude is more than being alone in a quiet area. It's about learning to listen to what is around [you]. I learn to listen to myself better and learn to think about things in a different aspect. I look at things differently and appreciate the smaller things in life. I appreciate the things I take for granted like the internet or simply the company of someone special in my life. May Sarton says, "Alone we can afford to be wholly whatever we are, and to feel whatever we feel absolutely. That is a great luxury!" (881). In the trembling stillness I smile to myself and view my solitude with joy and not sorrow, a time of reflection from within. As I sit with my eyes closed in meditation, I do not fear the stillness. I let every aspect of it wash over me and I enjoy my
solitude.
Solitude is a flow of emotion from me which comes in various forms and appears in different phases of my life. It is a journey that at one time or another I have to face unexpected shattering events and comfort my emotions. In death, I grieve. In decision making, I pause. In danger, I fear. I associated solitude with contentment and calmness at times, a certain kind of loneliness. In "Loneliness an American Malady" Carson Mccullers says, "The loneliness of Americans does not have its source in xenophobia; as a nation we are an outgoing people, reaching always for immediate contacts, further experience" (747). There are those who had suffered from lack of love and concern from their family and therefore, acted in various evil wrong doings or even to the extent of committing small crimes to gain recognition or attention from their peers and parents. To a lot of people, these groups of people are considered attention seekers. However, to view in another perspective, the same people are also lonely. The only trap solitude can offer is myself? I choose to seek freedom by living life to its fullest and want solitude only when it's necessary. Human beings like me are filled with emotions and feelings. There will never be a time when I will be forever in "loneliness". Solitude is like a coin with two faces. While we breathe in life for energy, we live in solitary existence as well.
Solitude is often feared or avoided because it is associated with isolation, abandonment, or loneliness. Yet for some people solitude is the occasion for the most serene, intense or exhilarating moments in life. Being alone may provide the necessary setting for spiritual search and attempt to understand life's meaning. Solitude is a time to enjoy one's sense of self. For a person to really experience solitude, it must be sought out with expectation and gratitude.
Everyone is not happy being alone. Many people avoid time alone because they are uncomfortable in that state. In "The Reward of Living a Solitary Life", May Sartons states "that, suddenly alone, he would discover that he bored himself, or that there was, quite simply, no self there to meet" (880). These people may experience …show more content…
boredom or even fear at the prospect of being by themselves. Rather than enjoying a time of solitude, they feel discomfort and even misery. This is true loneliness. People who cannot feel happiness alone often do not understand the beauty of solitude. Those who seek solitude, on the other hand, have a sense of peace and contentment wash over them when they enjoy an activity by themselves. Solitude can be spent reading, writing, walking, cooking, or any activity that is renewing when experienced alone. May Sarton said, "For me the most interesting thing about solitary life, and mine has been that for the last twenty years, is that it becomes increasingly rewarding" (881). It can be a time of personal growth and contribute to well-being. In solitude, many people re-create themselves or at least re-connect with that sense of self. To those who need solitude, it is an essential time that must be carved out of each day or at least every few days. It is a type of nourishment that is necessary to keep one's soul or spirit alive.
Solitude is what I would describe as total awareness of myself.
That moment when I am so relieved to be alone, in the quiet, grateful for a moments peace. The moment when I stop and breathe to take the time to enjoy the beauty of my surroundings is the moment of tranquility. May Sarton says, "Alone one is never lonely" (880). To choose solitude willingly, is to experience the joy of so many things. Solitude is more than being alone in a quiet area. It's about learning to listen to what is around [you]. I learn to listen to myself better and learn to think about things in a different aspect. I look at things differently and appreciate the smaller things in life. I appreciate the things I take for granted like the internet or simply the company of someone special in my life. May Sarton says, "Alone we can afford to be wholly whatever we are, and to feel whatever we feel absolutely. That is a great luxury!" (881). In the trembling stillness I smile to myself and view my solitude with joy and not sorrow, a time of reflection from within. As I sit with my eyes closed in meditation, I do not fear the stillness. I let every aspect of it wash over me and I enjoy my
solitude.
Solitude is a flow of emotion from me which comes in various forms and appears in different phases of my life. It is a journey that at one time or another I have to face unexpected shattering events and comfort my emotions. In death, I grieve. In decision making, I pause. In danger, I fear. I associated solitude with contentment and calmness at times, a certain kind of loneliness. In "Loneliness an American Malady" Carson Mccullers says, "The loneliness of Americans does not have its source in xenophobia; as a nation we are an outgoing people, reaching always for immediate contacts, further experience" (747). There are those who had suffered from lack of love and concern from their family and therefore, acted in various evil wrong doings or even to the extent of committing small crimes to gain recognition or attention from their peers and parents. To a lot of people, these groups of people are considered attention seekers. However, to view in another perspective, the same people are also lonely. The only trap solitude can offer is myself? I choose to seek freedom by living life to its fullest and want solitude only when it's necessary. Human beings like me are filled with emotions and feelings. There will never be a time when I will be forever in "loneliness". Solitude is like a coin with two faces. While we breathe in life for energy, we live in solitary existence as well.