The power of solitude

I often talk about the Common Good and its significance. To me its portal is opened by any small act of kindness: if you hold a door for someone, allow another person to pay in front of you or just say hello to an elderly individual as you walk down a busy street, these are acts that contribute to the well being of society. All efforts are necessary, but are they enough? The answer is a resounding no: in the big scope of reality, they are inconsequential, but they are, obviously, a beginning. What major contribution to this phenomenon can a human being do to make a difference and change the world? I believe that the greatest thing you can do is to discover the mission that lies within you. Not some contrived familial or societal assignment, but what you are intrinsically obliged to do with your life – your personal adventure. This can be done at any age from seventeen to seventy. This appears to be a simplistic platitude. Everyone wants a life to be fun and filled with great escapades.

I would maintain that that is not true. Most people are surprised that they are even alive, truly alive and able to affect change. (1) The Millennial and post- Millennial generations are very interesting because, on a disproportionate basis, they do not want to follow the preset plan of life. They want a different plan, but they simply do not know what it is. They have heard a lot about economic freedom, for example, so they discover entrepreneurship. This does not seem to be the answer, however, you have money but many times you are alone in the acquisition of it. Money is not free, unfortunately. (2) What then is the answer to life? Life itself has no meaning. It is ephemeral and fleeting. It is you that must give it value: only you can do this. You must discover your meaning. Action is everything.

There is a young man I know who took up learning the violin after he was twenty. He perhaps will never be Yehudi Menuhin, (3) but the instrument has done something far more for him. It has given him a self confidence in the world. With this assuredness, he will be able to take on any of the tasks that he so desires. If he had never taken the first step, he would not have received the benefits of his action. Our civilization seems to be pushing us in the direction of consumption. We all feel that there is something intrinsically wrong with this. The new generations feel it even more. This will produce a seismic shift in the way the First World, the so-called developed capitalistic countries, views itself. “To dismiss them (Millennials) as simply arrogant, lazy, or over-opinionated overlooks what makes them special and different from other generations. This group will challenge, expect more, and desire a better idea for how to live …” (4)

In all of this, it is important to identify that I am alone in the world. I am free to be the beautiful me. This is not a negative but a greatly positive belief. In my solitude, I can discover and develop who I am and where I must travel. This can only be achieved through prayer, meditation, introspection or, my favorite, a quiet walk in a park or the mountains. The theologian Paul Tillich (1886-1965) leaves us with a thought:

Loneliness can be conquered only by those who can bear solitude. We have a natural desire for solitude because we are men. We want to feel what we are — namely, alone — not in pain and horror, but with joy and courage.  There are many ways in which solitude can be sought and experienced.  And each way can be called “religious,” if it is true, as one philosopher said, that “religion is what a man does with his solitariness.”

One of these ways is the desire towards the silence of nature. We can speak without voice to the trees and the clouds and the waves of the sea. Without words they respond through the rustling of leaves and the moving of clouds and the murmuring of the sea.  This solitude we can have, but only for a brief time. For we realize that the voices of nature cannot ultimately answer the questions in our mind. Our solitude in nature can easily become loneliness, and so we return to the world of man.

Solitude can also be found in the reading of poetry, in listening to music, in looking at pictures, and in sincere thoughtfulness. We are alone, perhaps in the midst of multitudes, but we are not lonely. Solitude protects us without isolating us. But life calls us back to its empty talk and the unavoidable demands of daily routine. It calls us back to its loneliness and the cover that it, in turn, spreads over our loneliness. (5)

A closing thought: The rain has stopped and the sun has come out: it is another wonderful day. Perhaps it is my mini-mission today to share that thought with as many people as possible. When it is raining very heavily, I always like to ask the question, “Do you like the rain?” Invariably, you will receive a quick riposte, “I hate the rain!” My response, “What if we had no water?” This is always met with a stony silence indicating reluctant acceptance of this truth.

To sum up: This week we spoke about your personal mission and how it can be uncovered through prayer and solitude.

Just for fun – Yehudi Menuhin

A philosophical question: You open the front door only to discover that the shower is on outside, it is raining heavily. You retreat, put your rain clothes on, and open the door once again. This time you are met by replenishing sunshine, and it is hot. Is this only part of the human experience?

This week, on your thoughtful walk, please contemplate your own solitude.

Every day look for something magical and beautiful.

Quote: I should take time for the beautiful me and get to know who I really am, and what I truly want out of my piece of life.

Footnotes:

1) Life is Ticking Away – Time to Smile! | Sadhguru

2)  Millennials want to be entrepreneurs — but it’s not easy

3) Yehudi Menuhin

4) Marketing to Millennials: The consumers to change the market landscape

5) SERMON: Loneliness And Solitude, by Paul Tillich