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Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Solitude- The First Step to Growth

"Like water, which can clearly mirror the sky and the trees only so
long as its surface is undisturbed, the mind can only reflect the
true image of the Self when it is tranquil and wholly relaxed."
- Indra Devi


Solitude is a vital experience we require in order to grow and
expand our consciousness.  Being by yourself in quiet with no other
distractions is one of the best ways to connect deeply with
yourself, nature and your inner voice.  Some Personality Types tend
to have a resistance to that kind of experience because of their
Focus of Attention.

However, solitude is a recommended practice for all Types and the
more you don't want to do it, the more you will grow from the
experience.

Solitude is not about being closed down or putting up walls against
intrusion. The kind of solitude that will help you grow and deepen
is when you purposely choose to be by yourself in the silence. It
is not about escaping, it is about stepping into something inviting.

If this subject is making you uncomfortable, start practicing with
thirty minutes at a time and slowly build up to several hours. Once
you have increased to that level, it is recommended that you spend
an overnight by yourself. There are many retreat centers that offer
that kind of experience in groups, if that feels safer to you, or
you can go away by yourself.

However you orchestrate your solitude, don't take anything but a
journal to write in. No books to read, music to play or movies to
watch.  Walking in nature is recommended.  It is best to talk or
text others as little as possible.  In this fast-paced world our
nervous systems can easily be overloaded and even though your
Personality Type might crave stimulus, your body and nervous system
crave quiet and solitude.  Try it and see what pearls of wisdom and
benefits you gain.

"I was always looking outside myself for strength and confidence,
but it comes from within. It is there all the time."
- Anna Freud

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