Do you ever have days when you just don't want to talk. There's something on your mind and you just want to quietly mull it over until you have it all sorted out?
Alone time has been in short supply in my life for one reason or another for the last five years or so. I'm a very lonesome person and I have fewer than average words to say each day, but when there's something on my mind, I have none at all. It comes to the point where I'm very irritated at any interruption to my thoughts.
I think often of Virginia Wolfe's essay "A Room of One's Own" in which she discusses the need for a place of solitude and repose. I agree that having a space dedicated to solitude makes it easier to think, but not everyone can afford that luxury in space of their homes or time in their schedules. Don't lose heart if you crave some quiet time but haven't the time or a room of your own.
While it's true that being in a full and busy house makes it difficult to find a little time to sit in contemplation it's not impossible. I try not to think of it in terms of absolutes like Alone vs. Not Alone, or Busy vs. Resting, but rather I try to see opportunities. When I lived with my parents, had roommates, and then became a parent myself, I wasn't often able to get away. I have found my times of reflection and solitude to be more a state of mind when a room of my own was not available. It's the work of busy hands that frees up the mind. The simple tasks like mowing the yard, ironing, washing dishes, and gardening become the time when my mind is free to wander.
It may seem like I'm working intently at some mundane task, but chances are my hands are merely on autopilot while there are far deeper meditations going on inside. At the end of such things I either have my thoughts sorted or I move on to another task until I have the peace I'm searching for. I'm not sure anything would get done around here, if I didn't need my alone time to get away and think.
Post a Comment
Thank you for stopping by! I read every comment and I always try to respond. This is a polite and respectful blog, so please keep your comments polite and respectful too, or I will delete them. ;)
I ALSO DO NOT PUBLISH COMMENTS WHICH ARE INTENDED TO DIRECT TRAFFIC TO ANOTHER BLOG OR WEBSITE! It's cheap and tacky, so don't do it.
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.