Richard Mahler, in Stillness: Daily Gifts of Solitude, offers “some of the most frequently observed associations with quiet alone time.” I might word them differently, and, as Mahler suggests, add some of my own, but these present one way of looking at the gifts of solitude.
• Freedom to fantasize.
• Development of the imagination.
• Cultivation of abstract thought.
• Heightened awareness.
• Healing during stress, mourning, or other trauma.
• Improved concentration.
• Access to religious, spiritual, or mystical experiences.
• Better problem-solving abilities.
• Liberation from unwanted distractions.
• Effective pain management skills.
• The rich company of one’s mind, body, and spirit.
• Expanded self-understanding.
• Freedom to fantasize.
• Development of the imagination.
• Cultivation of abstract thought.
• Heightened awareness.
• Healing during stress, mourning, or other trauma.
• Improved concentration.
• Access to religious, spiritual, or mystical experiences.
• Better problem-solving abilities.
• Liberation from unwanted distractions.
• Effective pain management skills.
• The rich company of one’s mind, body, and spirit.
• Expanded self-understanding.