So what’s on my mind when I find myself with a chunk of solitude, when I’m in solitude mode? On one end of the continuum is nothingness--empty mind; at the other end, worry-- usually mundane, but sometimes worth dwelling upon. In between it might go something like this. I might be present to the moment, to the NOW. If I’m cooking, it’s attending to how I am following the recipe or stirring the soup; while walking I’d be noticing the light on the trees, or feeling the breeze on my face. Sometimes I am in a prayerful, meditative mode, thinking of others and sending hope for a healing or positive resolution to a problem. Of course my mind also wanders and I find myself planning—the menu, a trip, what to do tomorrow….on it goes. I’m a big anticipator.
But what has intrigued me recently is how often in solitude I think about other people. Here I am, with time alone, but I’m inviting others to join me. Ah, but I have control of the conversations and can manipulate how I want it to go. Well, kind of.
But what has intrigued me recently is how often in solitude I think about other people. Here I am, with time alone, but I’m inviting others to join me. Ah, but I have control of the conversations and can manipulate how I want it to go. Well, kind of.