How to Begin to Experience Solitude

Working with people everyday from all walks of life I hear a variety of personal stories. There is the unemployed construction worker with concerns he may never work again because his bad back may prevent it. The middle aged accountant whose son died five years ago, and the grief seems as fresh as the day it occurred. The now adult, oldest daughter in a family of five, whose childhood responsibilities follow her to this day, creating a burden of maintaining control she wants to release.

How can each of these people settle into solitude – their own personal sacred space – and learn about themselves? Grow beyond their current circumstances? Right now, each is doing it through a weekly yoga class. This is a simple direct approach which includes gentle stretching for the body and breath awareness which can quiet the mind. 

I know this because I am the Instructor, conducting each class with an attitude of Mindfulness. Not focusing on how a yoga posture looks, rather suggesting each person focus on their breath, and move and stretch their bodies in many gentle ways to satisfy themselves. That’s it – there is nothing to think and nothing else to do. As people who participate get more comfortable with this process, they notice they are not so distracted by their minds, by physical discomforts, or by emotional states and moods.

Of course there are many, many ways to practice Solitude. Join us at Solitude Retreats by receiving more tips, inspirations and ideas we will send to you weekly, and find an approach just for you!  Register using the sign in box above.