The Joy of Solitude

"One can be instructed in society, one is inspired only in solitude."

--Goethe

Lately I have been discussing introversion with a good friend. Is it a good thing? Is it a bad thing? Should we be more outgoing? Oddly enough, a day or so after talking about it, my other friend Torrie wrote a post about it. She summed up my feelings pretty well when she said:

"Some people can take in loads of new stimuli and seek out excitement and new people and new experiences and only be energized by it all.

Those people are extroverts.

Then you have the people who are more like me---we still crave new experiences and new people, but those novelties must be mixed with just the right amount of solo time, otherwise we get overwhelmed, stressed out, and even anxious.

We are the introverts of the world."

Those that know me know I LOVE adventure. Traveling to new and foreign places, jumping off cliffs, shooting down whitewater rapids, climbing tall rocks, trying exotic foods, just about anything that gets my adrenaline going really. However, after any grand adventure, there is just something to be said about coming back to the peace and quiet of home. Most of the time I prefer curling up to a good book rather than going out to a big party. I have a few really close friends, rather than a multitude of friends. And I find making the rounds at social functions making small talk to be exhausting. 

I'm not a loner. I wouldn't say I'm socially awkward. I'm just an introvert. I recharge and refuel by being alone. 

I used to think that was a bad thing. In high school, I took a drama class to be more outgoing. Then, that somehow turned into me competing at the regional drama competition. AND THEN somehow getting straight superiors and competing in the state competition. So, I can be an extrovert when it's needed, it's just not where I'm most comfortable. I would definitely say there was value to me deciding to sign up for that drama class. I learned a lot and did "come out of my shell" so to speak. It's good to expand your horizons and  get out of your comfort zone every so often. It's just that now I don't feel like I there is something inherently wrong with my love of solitude. I've accepted that I'm an introvert and there's nothing wrong with it. Yes, on occasion I do talk myself into going to parties when I'd rather just stay in my room. And to be honest, once I'm there I generally have a good time. But, I also let myself stay home and skip a party now and then too. And I don't worry about it. 

“I find it wholesome to be alone the greater part of the time. To be in company, even with the best, is soon wearisome and dissipating. I love to be alone. I never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude.”
― Henry David Thoreau, Walden

 

One of my favorite things to do is go on a hike and find a tall spot with a good view and just sit and look at all of God's incredible creations. It's amazing what you can see and feel when you just take a moment to get away from it all and be still. Above are two pics I snapped in Alpine, WY. I went on a small walk and found a shady spot to sit. I watched that deer wander into the meadow and work her way toward me. I just sat stock-still and stayed quiet. She wandered past so close I could have reached out and touched her. I also snuck up on this little wood mouse taking a nap. No zoom used, I had my camera up just a couple inches from it. I've been able to see a multitude of wild beautiful animals through quiet observation.

Some of my most spiritual moments have been while surrounded by wilderness. Listening to the birds sing, basking in the soft sun on a bed of pine needles. The pungent smell of the pine wafting through the air. Breathtaking views all around. There's nothing quite like it. I'm forever grateful for the sweet blessing and joy of solitude.