A Return to the Self

coberst · Post by **coberst** » Tue Nov 07, 2006 3:41 am

A Return to the Self

Uses of solitude—valuable resource when changes of mental attitude are required—solitude can be as therapeutic as emotional support from a friend.

Our way of thinking about life and ourselves is so habitual that it takes time and effort to change attitudes—people find it difficult to make changes in attitude but solitude and perhaps changes in environment facilitate changes in attitude because habit is fortified by external environment—religion is well aware of these facts—only through experience of change in environment can one know if such change will facilitate change in attitude—one needs not just solitude but one needs to be able to sink roots into some replenishing philosophy also.

Solitude is not to subject oneself to sensor deprivation, which can lead to hallucinations. One needs the stimulation of the senses and the intellect.

Imagination—solitude can facilitate the growth of imagination—imagination has given humans flexibility but has robbed her of contentment—our non-human ancestors are governed by pre-programmed patterns-- these preprogrammed patterns have inhibited growth when the environment changes—humans are governed primarily by learning and transmission of culture from generation to generation and is thus more able to adapt—for humans so little is predetermined by nature and so much is dependent upon learning—happiness, the contentment with the status quo is only a fleeting feeling—“divine discontent is the gift of our nature that brings moments of ecstasy and a life time of discontent—the present is such a fleeting part of our reality that we are almost always in the past or the future.

I think that a regular dose of solitude is very important for everyone, young and old. Does that make sense to you?

This stuff comes from reading “Solitude: A Return to the Self by Anthony Storr. Most of this is snatches of text that is sometimes a paraphrase and sometimes a quotation.

lady cop · Post by **lady cop** » Tue Nov 07, 2006 4:17 am

solitude has always been very important to me, to read, to be quiet, to think, to remember and to get in touch with my own soul. to clean out the horror i see. so it doesn't steal my soul and good intentions towards humanity. solitude is a priceless gift we give ourselves.

chonsigirl · Post by **chonsigirl** » Tue Nov 07, 2006 5:17 am

Solitude is important, not just for philosophical reflections, but for relaxation. Sometimes that is the only quiet time of the day, if you get it at all.

Some are not blessed with the extra hours in the day for deep inner tinkering, I usually put mine to an extra hour of sleep so I can get 6 hours that day.

Utilization of free time varies between individuals-some are more social, and need contact with other people. Some prefer to be alone.

If I have a 1/2 hour of solitude, I spend it in prayer with God.

Supersilly@rse · Post by **Supersilly@rse** » Tue Nov 07, 2006 5:57 am

*sighs* I thought we were going to embark on the 'enlightenment' self vs no-self debate!

However............

I'm lucky (or unlucky, depending on your viewpoint) enough to be able to find solitude even when surrounded by people.

Fine line between solitude and lonliness....

zinkyusa · Post by **zinkyusa** » Tue Nov 07, 2006 6:21 pm

I don't need any solitude, sometimes i do like to be alone though..:-3 :-2

coberst · Post by **coberst** » Wed Nov 08, 2006 7:23 am

Here is an expression one reader made to my OP on another forum.

Don't give me solitude

Because I'll have to try

To dig among my thoughts

To find a reason why.

Please busy me with work.

If there's time let me drink.

Give me philosophy

So I don't really think.

My Blackberry I need,

My cell phone and TV,

To occupy my mind.

Alone I can not be.

Inspired by coberst's thread "Return to self"

Supersilly@rse · Post by **Supersilly@rse** » Wed Nov 08, 2006 7:41 am

coberst;453166 wrote: Here is an expression one reader made to my OP on another forum.

Don't give me solitude

Because I'll have to try

To dig among my thoughts

To find a reason why.

Please busy me with work.

If there's time let me drink.

Give me philosophy

So I don't really think.

My Blackberry I need,

My cell phone and TV,

To occupy my mind.

Alone I can not be.

Inspired by coberst's thread "Return to self"

Yeulch! I hate that kind of rythmic 'poetry'

Good sentiment tho...........