One of the things that can often interfere with our flow of capital 'ell' Love is... well... life. it can really get in the way at times! One of the ways to redress the balance and restore inner tranquillity (the only thing which will truly bring about external peace), is to withdraw for a period of time. We have all experienced how, in a busy day, that ten or fifteen minutes we take time to sit under a tree or in a library with just ourselves for company can give us the breath for the rest of the day.When one is on a quest for greater quality of life and true in/out balance with Universal Love at the core, the more time we can spend in solitude the better. Note that quite often these days, solitude is rather looked down upon. Mistake not, it is a valuable tool to Self-Restoration!!! These words from Thoreau give a lovely picture;
I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life and see if I could not learn what it had to teach - and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.Find for yourself a space in every day of at least fifteen minutes, in which you do not fret or worry or criticise or whinge (even to yourself). Practice mental decluttering in order to refresh yourself. The more you do this, the more you will find you can. Then build the time allotted. At least once a week, make that time a minimum of one hour. It doesn't mean you have to go look for a cave or a tree house... even if you don't have a garden, sit by an open window and gaze upon the sky. Seek to make yourself 'air'. If there's a tree, make of yourself a leaf. Refresh. Restore.
Yam Aunty this is a most beautiful and inspiring post. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWe often forget to take time for ourselves.
When my parents were both in ICU at the same time, I felt overwhelmed but I kept telling myself, being the only child I was, the last man standing, so to speak and I was their advocate. Each morning before work for about 2 weeks I went by the hospital to see them. One morning before my visit I went to Starbucks first. Lo and behold I discovered the sunrise at Starbucks was glorious. As I drank my coffee and watched the sunrise I felt renewed each day and not so overwhelmed.
Hugs HiC
Hari OM
DeleteOh that is a most wonderful example of beingness!!! Yxx
My entire day is spent in being. It's a good thing. Sparrows have great stories.
ReplyDeleteThere a change we have for being just that...mine is usual in the morning
ReplyDeletethat was well said... I'll hope I will find MY 15 minutes today... they are more important than the 15 minutes of fame mr. warhol wanted ;o)
ReplyDeleteA good message here, although those of us who live by themselves are by nature perhaps over-fond of solitude tend to need reminding of the importance of spending time with other people! Cheers, Gail.
ReplyDeleteHari OM
DeleteThat is a fair point, from the social perspective!
I find that this begs me to place here an important point... one must take care not to confuse solitude with isolation. The difference is that in isolation one can still never be alone as the mind remains busy with nonsense in all its forms and one is looking back at the world, desiring no interaction with it. Solitude permits a relief of the mind, even in a city centre. Stillness of being, withdrawal from the world for a time, all the better to deal with it for the rest of the time. One who seeks isolation remains isolated even when in social circumstances; one who seeks solitude is fully interactive when in society.
Isolation does not allow for a betterment of one's attitudes, indeed can reinforce negative traits. It is selfish. Solitude is the time to sort the chiff from the chaff and raise oneself. It is self-less. Both will see the errors all around in the world, but the isolationist will seek to defend against it, whilst the solitary one will seek to embrace it and, perhaps, bring improvements. They are certainly close, two sides of the same wall.
Living alone can lead to isolationism, the desire to avoid society - but recognising this protects us against it. Unless, of course, we are solid in our isolation!
Thank you for your comment because it is really important to understand that living alone is not the same thing as seeking self-restoring solitude. This post was written because, despite living alone, the year's travails have resulted in a drop in taking appropriate moments of solitude (meditation) in order to deal better with those very challenges. This is, therefore, an addendum to the above post!!!
Sending Love. YAM xx
Yes, you make a useful distinction between solitude and isolation.
DeleteThanks! Gail.
Hello, this is great advice. Worrying seems to be a waste of time. Thanks for sharing. Happy Sunday, enjoy your day and new week!
ReplyDeleteI often need a bit of peace and quiet after a busy week. It always helps me to restore my own peace and be able to not go completely over the top during the coming week.
ReplyDeleteAnd I have learned long ago that things that cannot be helped, cannot be helped. No need to worry about it, it will only ruin your own health, nobody else's!
Hari Om
DeleteQuite so! (Though for some it can ruin the health of those around them too, as they 'let off steam'...) Yxx
Thank you for visiting us regularly and leaving comments. Our human agree with 'Life Lived Lovingly'. Purring lots of love to you!
ReplyDeleteSuch true words! I always feel refreshed when I have gotten away from the world. Although I am one of those people who are very connected, being connected is such a stress too. And our political climate just makes it worse! Looking forward to unconnecting and getting into the woods (and beside the ocean) in a few weeks!
ReplyDeleteYour Pals,
Murphy & Stanley
Wonderful words of wisdom, YAM. Namaste, Janice xx
ReplyDeletefor a chuckle, I made myself a cup of tea.