Solitude to me means peace and quiet. Time to unwind in a sometimes crazy world. I enjoy being with people but there’s something infinitely restful about time to yourself in a quiet space. Whether it’s in nature or at home.
Sometimes when we think of the word solitude we think of being lonely. But there’s many people living on their own who are perfectly happy in their own skin, doing their own thing. In my eyes solitude is a lost art that needs to be embraced.
Like this guy. I don’t know his story but he looks content. Don’t we all need a bit of this? A quiet restful place that soothes the soul and allows us to just be.
Whilst I love being with my family some of my most peaceful moments come when I’m alone. It’s like a form of meditation.
Watching the sun set over the waters of the Eyre Peninsula.
Walking along the banks of the Murray River, alone with my thoughts.
Grounding myself in nature and all the sights, smells and sounds on a forest walk.
Taking a long walk on an empty beach lightens my spirit and brings tranquility.
Even kids need a chance to slow down and appreciate the smaller things.
But we don’t have to be in nature to enjoy the art of solitude. All we need is our own quiet space where we can rest and replenish.
Simple things can bring balance back into our lives. Disconnect from the world for awhile and turn off your devices, especially the phone. Savor a cup of tea or run a long bath. Write or do what ever it takes to makes you happy, listen to music, immerse yourself in a book and focus on the positives in your life.
If nothing else, step outside and lose yourself in the clouds above you.
“I live in that solitude which is painful in youth, but delicious in the years of maturity.” ~Albert Einstein
“You cannot be lonely if you like the person you’re alone with.” ― Wayne W. Dyer
This is in response to: Hugh’s Weekly Photo Challenge – Week 20 – Solitude
It doesn’t take much to achieve a bit of solitude. I hope you can all find some. Wishing you all peace, where ever you are. Today. Just be. And enjoy.
Wow. I love that first sunset photo. I’m looking at that man, sitting alone with his thoughts & that breathtaking view … And I’m wishing I was him. You’re so right, Miriam – solitude doesn’t mean lonely. We all need time to ourselves just to reset & relax. I really value silent time alone, just peace & quiet to still the mind. Even better if its outdoors. Such a wonderful post 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Kim, I think we all value the times we spend alone, it’s a precious thing to savor in our fast paced world.
LikeLiked by 1 person
“You cannot be lonely if you like the person you’re alone with,” is a fabulous quote and very true. It is nearly impossible to think creatively, meditate, write and ponder life if we are in a room filled with people.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So very true. Quiet time is just so necessary these days … appreciate your comment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! Great post! And I absolutely love the pictures. Stunning! Specially the first two shots. They made me feel calm and happy! Great job 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you enjoyed my post, thanks Ramya
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Miriam, lovely photos you have here, I always go close to water when I’m looking for solitude, great choice for the challenge.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Elizabeth. I feel the same, whether it’s a river, lake or ocean, water does it for me too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful! I love the sunset shot.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Dee, it’s my favorite too.
LikeLike
A truly beautiful written post, Miriam. I agree. Solitude is free and something that all our lives need. I’m one of those people that really does need to turn off the iPhone, iPad and Computer every once in a while. Losing myself in a good book sounds an ideal way of enjoying some solitude.
Great photography for this week’s challenge. Thank you so much for sharing them with us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s my pleasure Hugh, it’s a great theme this week. And I have to say I’m as guilty as the next person when it comes to switching off devices. But I must do it more often. And get back to reading a book, it’s been a while. Thanks again for your kind comments.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful post (as always). I absolutely love the bridge over the rushing water in the forest. If I could, I’d go for a walk in a place like that every day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Sandra. Yes, that walk is one of my favorites, a gorgeous rainforest setting that I’d love to go back to one day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I feel relaxed just looking at the pictures! Thank you for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure.
LikeLike
Love your photos and message! I love being by myself, perhaps a little too much. I think I’m lucky that I can be comfortable by myself because if I live long enough, some day I might be alone for awhile. This is why I need to be healthy and mobile into my old age, like I said, as long as I live that long. I don’t have any kids and everyone else I know is older than me. I accept it. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, here’s to living long, living healthy and being happy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely post! It is always great to have some “me” time. You touch base with your inner self and somehow everything will start seeming better from there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So very true. Thank you.
LikeLike
Yes, we need time just for us. Does not matter where. But I saw you have many places where you can practice solitude.
Lovely post, Miriam. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Monica. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤
LikeLike
Again a great post dear. You immerse the readers completely in your thoughts. But is this really easy to cut off yourself from the world, and enjoy solitude ? How can one do so ?
LikeLiked by 1 person
True, it’s not always easy I guess it’s about finding that quiet spot in our mind where we can just accept and let go of everything, pressures, expectations and just be. Easier said than done maybe but worth seeking out. Take care.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, thanks a lot for such motivational posts. You always give an insight to overcome the darkness of life. Optimisim is your quality.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful thing to say. I really appreciate that. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really want to be in touch with you. Can I contact you via facebook ? You there ?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry for the late reply. I’ve been away camping. Yes I am on FB. You can send me a friend request through there. 🙂
LikeLike
I excel at being alone, Miriam. It’s probably my greatest talent. 🙂 I like company well enough but I’m very comfortable without. Unless you count the camera, of course ( 🙂 ), or a good book. Lovely photos! Easy to loose yourself in them.
LikeLike
Thanks Jo. We sound very similar. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Miriam. The photograph of you, solitary on the long expanse of white beach, struck a chord. Stunning photo of being in solitude with nature. I just loved some of your words, “solitude is a lost art” and “to lose yourself in the clouds above.” Loved your post! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Olga. The theme struck a deep chord with me this week so it was easy putting this post together. Glad you enjoyed it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re so right alone on a deserted beach is some form of meditation ….and wondrous.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is. Now if I could just do that every day …
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is so beautiful Miriam. I love how you define solitude not as loneliness but as an art that we all need. I am an extremely social person and somehow I get lost when I’m alone. Usually that is when I’m in the house. But once I step outside and talk my walk or run I feel so refreshed and alive to be alone. It is an art I’m working on improving. It is very important to be comfortable in your own skin. Beautiful reflective post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Nicole, appreciate your kind words.
LikeLike
Wow that’s beautiful 😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Lisa!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Everyone needs their me time. Beautiful images.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes we do. Thanks Maverick.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Perfect aspects of solitude, Miriam.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Ruth.
LikeLike
Yes taking time out is so Important. I have had a enforced week of hardly any phone and no devices because of poor phone reception in Tasmania.
I love the sunset photo the best. The beach is so good for time out. Enjoy the weekend Miriam.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Louise, I love Tassie. Hope you’re having a wonderful time down there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Actually I am back. Didn’t access social media or my blog down there – a complete break which was good.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sometimes that’s exactly what’s needed, to completely switch off. Have a great week ahead.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Perfect shots for solitude Miriam – enjoy your weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Debbie, you too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great treatment of the theme
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, kind sir!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very beautiful post and photos Miriam, we all need time in solitude to reach our inner soul, I wrote an Haiku not long ago titled Magic Solitude you can read it here http://yesterdayafter.com/2016/01/30/haiku-magic-solitude/ I love long walk on the beach listening the sound of the ocean it is very soothing I also enjoy my solitude while creating my artworks. Have a wonderful weekend – Carolina
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Carolina, hope you also have a great weekend.
LikeLike
It is nice to have some time to yourself every now and then.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is indeed!
LikeLike
I love time alone. Solitude is refreshing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It absolutely is. Thanks so much Lynn.
LikeLike
Great post. 🙂 Beautiful colors in the sunset photo!
LikeLike
Such fine snaps these are for Solitude theme. Very lovely work!!
LikeLike
I think a little solitude is a very good thing. Loneliness doesn’t come from being alone, in my opinion, it simply comes from being alone when you’d rather have company. Solitude, on the other hand, is a great way to recharge our emotional batteries. Thanks for this post and the great photos, too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure Ann, thanks for your insightful comment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely pairing of your words and photographs. Taking time out alone can put things into perspective. I love to take a moment in the bath or going for a walk to unwind. We often forget to take a moment and find ourselves feeling frustrated. Thanks for sharing this post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for your comment Lindsay. I’ve just come back from an overnight camping trip so just catching up. Hope you’re having a lovely weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was wondering where you disappeared to! I hope you had a lovely time. We’re great here. Finally getting some sunshine so we took the kids to the park yesterday. I hope you have a great week ahead. It is Sunday here so that means that it is probably or nearing Monday for you 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey Lindsay, yeah it’s funny, I was only gone a couple of days but I feel like I’m out of the loop, so behind in my reading and comments. And I feel very tired and kinda down, weirdly enough, lots of stuff going on in my world and in my head. Need to take some of my own advice! Anyway, glad to hear you got out and enjoyed some of that sunshine with the kids. It’s Sunday night here now and I think an early night is on the cards for me, but I’ll be back in full swing soon. Take care Lindsay and hope you also have a great week ahead.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maybe some sleep will help you recharge and rearrange your thoughts. I hope you wake up feeling energised in the morning and ready to take on the week. I hope your kids have a great week at school since holiday ended. Maybe you can get some extra rest when they’re gone. 🙂 Goodnight dear friend
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Lindsay, yeah I think you’re right, a good night sleep will hopefully be a catalyst for a good week ahead and more positive thoughts. Love having you there. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I look forward to reading more of your great posts this week. 🙂
LikeLike
Lovely, lovely pictures! Thank you, Miriam, for sharing them. 🙂 Solitude is indeed a beautiful thing. I couldn’t live without it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me neither. Thanks so much Vanessa.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Some of my most revelatory and peaceful moments have come when I’m alone and I always feel guilty about craving for such moments.. very glad to know that so many other people share my feelings 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You shouldn’t feel guilty. Enjoy those moments of solitude and peace, they’re precious. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
if interested: https://spiritualjourney17.wordpress.com/2016/04/09/three-day-quote-challenge-day-2-2
LikeLike
I love your photography, thanks for sharing this!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure, thanks so much.
LikeLike
Wonderful post. Thank you for reminding me of why I love life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, so glad you enjoyed it.
LikeLike
Yikes! Can you fix my last comment, please? I meant to say solitude is a wonderful place, and the spellcheck chose infertility! 😂 Good grief. Didn’t see that until I had already hit the button. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
All fixed, no worries and thank you. Ah the joys of spell check! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
haha! 😀 …love it and hate it, all in the same breath!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep, can totally relate! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes it is. Thanks for dropping by.
LikeLiked by 1 person
As usual, fascinating photos! I agree that people needs to be alone at times.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much. It’s good for the soul.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I couldn’t agree more!
LikeLike