After retiring from a career immersed in community (parish pastor), after the death of my wife of 45 years after a couple of years of full time care, I began living alone for the first time in my life (at 67). I realized quickly that there is a huge chasm between being alone and experiencing solitude. For a time I ceased longing for solitude, something I had cherished whenever it was available to me during my career and marriage. I have come to be okay with spending time alone without feeling lonely, but I have also discovered that for me the Solitude I cherish needs some level of intentionality - a place, a set of circumstances, a specific time set aside for it. Oddly, as I am writing this I am realizing that some of the moments of Solitude have not always been times of silence. When seated between strangers at a Symphony, maybe Mahler, and captured completely by the music, I have found solitude, sweet and healing moments that nurture my Spirit. It has come in natural settings filled with the sounds of wildlife. I travel by myself with only a backpack mostly outside of the USA. While enjoying the community of hostels, Airbnbs, and Digital Nomad co-living spaces, I savor times by myself immersed in views, whether in towns or spacious landscapes, so beautiful that they quiet the cacophony of voices streaming in my head.
Your comment Peter deeply touched me. Got me thinking about my place here on Substack and how I have become to take on life, it is always a challenge but one find themselves within those lines. I appreciate you and keep going.
"my connection to writing is a chosen one, not passed down through generations of love and history"
Oh! this resonated with full vibration -- L.Z.
I appreciate that, and happy to have you here.
Glad to have found it ✍️
After retiring from a career immersed in community (parish pastor), after the death of my wife of 45 years after a couple of years of full time care, I began living alone for the first time in my life (at 67). I realized quickly that there is a huge chasm between being alone and experiencing solitude. For a time I ceased longing for solitude, something I had cherished whenever it was available to me during my career and marriage. I have come to be okay with spending time alone without feeling lonely, but I have also discovered that for me the Solitude I cherish needs some level of intentionality - a place, a set of circumstances, a specific time set aside for it. Oddly, as I am writing this I am realizing that some of the moments of Solitude have not always been times of silence. When seated between strangers at a Symphony, maybe Mahler, and captured completely by the music, I have found solitude, sweet and healing moments that nurture my Spirit. It has come in natural settings filled with the sounds of wildlife. I travel by myself with only a backpack mostly outside of the USA. While enjoying the community of hostels, Airbnbs, and Digital Nomad co-living spaces, I savor times by myself immersed in views, whether in towns or spacious landscapes, so beautiful that they quiet the cacophony of voices streaming in my head.
Your comment Peter deeply touched me. Got me thinking about my place here on Substack and how I have become to take on life, it is always a challenge but one find themselves within those lines. I appreciate you and keep going.
Thank you. I will.
Such a gentle start and a heavy ending. How much is self inflicted and what is not. Loads to think of here and evaluate. Thank you!
It always means much coming from you, my Master, but I'm still learning my craft.
Thank you. Master is a big title. You give credit to you too. Never underestimate yourself.
I appreciate to hear that Bethel Hew... just another side of me buried deep waiting to be unleashed.