Solitude or Isolation

Each of us carries the tendency to separate ourselves from others.  There is such a thing as splendid solitude, but isolation is not it.   ~ Marianne Williamson 


For several months now, I have withdrawn into my life.  I have taken a sabbatical from old routines and discovered freedom to unfold in my own time.  I explore inner landscapes that have been ignored for decades and in dire need for excavation.  My journal is filling with words from my silence, articulating truths for so long not told.  I am deciphering my dreams with greater intensity to help break out of my too narrow vision.

For me, all of these actions are healthy and necessary for my personal and spiritual growth, but I now discover that I have eliminated too many resources.  For me, the weather has been too extremely hot, so my daily walks have been postponed indefinitely.  I have missed the inspiration provided by nature and its flock.  My writers group will not begin again for a few more weeks, so my dedication to writing has fallen more to my self-discipline rather than fresh ideas triggered by our weekly meetings.  I have chosen far more fiction books than I normally read, so I have lost the balance I usually keep with non-fiction.

So except for my women's circle, I have taken very little time to nurture friendships, both old and new.  I have kept up with a few friends grabbing coffee from time to time, but not at all like I used to do.  So has my intention for solitude led me to isolation?  I think this may be true.

The trouble with isolation is that we are so far removed from the actual scene, our perceptions are easily distorted.  Not hearing the voices of others we love and respect, our ego gladly steps forward to put its convoluted spin on things.  These negative shifts in perception pave the way to greater isolation.

We need to discover the balance between time spent with our loved ones and time spent with loving our selves.  Our body needs hugs and kindness from others just as much as we need time for contemplation or reflection or prayer. 

If not careful, time with friends or career can turn into a 24 hour rat race.  If not careful, solitude can turn into isolation.