The Solitude Trend
There are a few trends I hope will continue on the other side of COVID-19 shutdowns.
- Remote work
- Video meetings (every agenda does NOT require a face to face)
- Experimentation and creativity in the kitchen (Why does it take a pandemic for some to realize they can cook?)
- Music artists randomly sharing their work on social media channels.
- Walking
- Intentional solitude.
The last one is what catches my attention today.
I just read a post in which someone said they have finished "the loneliest week of my life." This post is not an outlier. Many people have been uncomfortable with solitude, which makes sense.
We are designed to be communal creatures. We need each other. We need human contact. There's a reason it's much more difficult to ban large gatherings than it is to ban solitude.
There is something healthy to intentional time alone with only the thoughts in your brain. When forced to do this, many people have discovered the general discomfort we have with solitude as a society.
Many people will be very happy when we can have large parties, networking events, teas, and coffees together again.
If, as a society, we can learn a little about the ancient discipline of solitude, mental, and spiritual health will inevitably improve. Practice regular self-isolation, even when there is not a pandemic. Occasional solitude is a healthy practice.
