DailyOM: Gift Of Solitude

This is the text version of DailyOM
To see it with graphics, click:
http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2006/2299.html

Today's DailyOM brought to you by: Ode Magazine - Click for six issues of Ode
http://www.dailyom.com/cgi-bin/display/sponsorlink.cgi?iid=34

March 1, 2006

Gift Of Solitude
When Isolation Is Ok

We all need time alone. Even those of us who are social butterflies need some time to ourselves. Solitude is necessary for meditation and quiet reflection. We also may choose to isolate ourselves when we are busy and need to meet a deadline. We may cherish time alone when we want to give ourselves over to art or music, lose ourselves in a good book, or delve into a personal project. Having time to ourselves allows us to focus completely on our yoga practice or get into the zone while running or strength training. Sometimes we need to be alone to simply do nothing but enjoy the sound of silence. Our alone time revitalizes and replenishes us, grounding us in our own company.

Yet, too much isolation, especially when our intention is to hide, withdraw, or not deal with the realities of our lives is not physically, mentally, or spiritually healthy. It is during moments like these when being in isolation takes us away from our lives, rather than enhancing it. If anything, too much isolation can create a buffer whereby we don't have to deal with our problems. Sometimes, pushing ourselves to deal with our issues and be in our lives, rather than isolate, is one of the best gifts we can give to ourselves.

Also, just as it is important for us to have our "alone" time, we need to remember that as human beings, we are by nature social creatures that thrive on human contact. Our lives cannot occur in a vacuum, and we cannot fully live in this world without interacting with others. Consider using isolation as time spent for rest, reinvigoration, and personal growth. Isolation can then not only empower you, but it can allow you to return to your work and your relationships restored and ready for life.

Click for your free DailyCD:
http://www.dailycd.com/cgi-bin/userinfo/settings.cgi?subscribe=1&from=dailyom

Share the OM: To email this to a friend, click:
http://www.dailyom.com/cgi-bin/email/emailfriend.cgi?articleid=2299

To discuss this article, click:
http://discuss.dailyom.com/cgi-bin/discuss/displaytopic.cgi?tid=642

Friend of OM:
Discover excellent music every day with DailyCD. Every day, DailyCD will email you about a great CD you can listen to, read about and discuss with other music fans. It's completely free and it's a great way to build your CD collection while learning about all types of music.

For more information visit: http://www.dailyom.com/cgi-bin/display/linktofriend.cgi?fid=465

DailyOM Website: http://www.dailyom.com/
Subscribe: http://www.dailyom.com/cgi-bin/userinfo/settings.cgi?subscribe=1
Unsubscribe: http://www.dailyom.com/cgi-bin/userinfo/settings.cgi?unsubscribe=1
Email Settings: http://www.dailyom.com/cgi-bin/userinfo/settings.cgi?settings=1

Copyright 2004-05 DailyOM - All rights reserved
No portion of this email can be reprinted without express permission.