Solitude

 Solitude, Einsamkeit, Soledad, Ekant... many languages same sentiment , same meaning. 

As I dwell upon life's essence , one recurrent thought has been about the significance of solitude.

A much misunderstood word, I have always felt that solitude is more often than not equated with loneliness. Most of us are scared of being on our own, alone, fearing the gloomy depths we may have to wallow in when alone. As a person more comfortable with my own company, I am more distressed at the thought of maintaining a facade of social consorting.  Being solitary does not mean you shun human contact; I have some good friends and love being with them. But given a choice, I would like to avoid the vagaries and complications of human behaviour in general. And as I get older, this notion of being on my own is becoming more and more tempting and endearing. Solitude doesn't always mean you are unhappy, neither does it mean you cannot survive well when away from human company.  Possibly, some of us are more in sync with our inner selves and feel comfortable alone; to emphasise the point, something I read sums up my feelings on the topic -  "I have great times by myself. Once you know how to take care of yourself, company becomes an option and not a necessity.”- Keanu Reeves.

Solitude can be beautiful too, you just have to be strong enough to be friends with it. Once you know the power and independence of solitude, you are free. Unrestricted by the world around you, your spirit is free- it lets you connect better with your own self and makes you much stronger. 

Rumi wisely said, "it is your road and yours alone. Others may walk it with you, but no-one can walk it for you." Reading it has made me wonder why we are so sacred to be alone?  Ancient wisdom, be it The Vedas or the Native Americans talk about solitude. Being on your own, being one with your own self in tune with the natural world.  Enjoy and embrace your solitude, you will discover you like it more than handling all the human drama around you😊😊!