Well hello!!
Fair warning: I’m going philosophical today vs tips and tricks and health research.
Today’s subject line was loaded: “Are you lonely?”
I think many associate lonely in the negative sense of the word and I could write a completely different Sunday Wisdom on that topic alone.
Today, I’d like to offer two specific thoughts on how being lonely, can actually serve us.
If you’ve been with me long enough, you know how strongly I feel about how our mental health impacts our physical health.
I’ve seen people do ALL the “right” things with their nutrition, workouts, hydration, recovery, sleep – you name it – but run into health woe after health woe due to their mental health.
I believe (as do many) that human connection is paramount to a healthy physical body. I also believe that lack of human connection doesn’t equal loneliness, across the board. In fact, sometimes it is necessary.
Let me explain.
Today’s share was inspired by two quotes I came across recently.
Michael Harris, the author of ‘Solitude: In Pursuit of a Singular Life in a Crowded World’ said:
“We should remind ourselves that a life without solitude is a diminished life.”
The way I read this: without solitude, we’re not getting as much good out of life as we could be. We’re missing things due to constant distraction.
I think solitude can be a superpower in today’s world – one where being without your phone is almost unthinkable. Solitude offers self-awareness and reflection, creativity, innovation, inner-inspiration and a deeper sense of connection with ourselves and the world around us. I don’t know about you but some of the most deeply grounded feelings I cultivate for myself are when I am disconnected from technology (even if that means my phone is simply in the other room) and I’m reading a book with the TV off. If quiet is not something you cultivate for yourself often, I encourage you to do so.
The next quote I’m sharing is from Warsan Shire, a British Writer and Poet. She says:
“My alone feels so good I’ll only have you if you’re sweeter than my solitude.”
Isn’t that powerful? It gives me chills every time I read it.
I appreciate that this is a relational declaration, but I believe we can expand it to be a reminder that part of our goal in life is to make our alone so beautiful that it raises the bar on the level of connection we allow with others – relationally, but also who we follow and allow into our space within social media, how we set boundaries for ourselves in our personal and professional lives, and so on…
Sharing from personal experience:
The more consistently you find solitude, the more picky and intentional you will become about protecting your peace and who you allow to take up space in your life.
My hope for each of you as you continue to cultivate holistic health is the time you spend with yourself, in our own head, is the time you look forward to the most.
Take good care of you this week ❤️
xoxo
Alix