Synchronicity strikes again.
Number one development – Yesterday my niece Anjali posted a link to an article on her facebook wall that took me to this author and her book.
I bought the Kindle version of the book which I have now started to read and will review here after I finish. My initial take is that it promises to be interesting. I also exchanged these comments with Anjali on facebook.
I : “I am not exactly alone but I have bought the kindle version to read at leisure since you have recommended it.”
Anjali : “Experiments with solitude are a good thing. It doesn’t matter if we live with other people or like the author, live alone in a remote shepard’s cottage. She has raised some valid and extremely interesting points and should be read keeping in mind The Case For Boredom. ( Jiddu, UG, Russel and many others have written on the subject)”
Number two development – This morning, it being a nice lazy Sunday morning, Ranjan, Manjiree and I were sitting around chatting when Ranjan mentioned that his classmate and friend Prasath from Thailand had spoken to him and specifically asked Ranjan to take good care of me because I am now alone! Prasath was one of the many young people who used to flock to our home during Ranjan’s college days and were very attached to Urmeela. Prasath and his family had visited us last month while on vacation here and he kept on ruing her absence. He must have felt that I too must be missing her and had kept that thought to himself but had mentioned it to Ranjan in his chat.
I am no stranger to solitude and my regular readers will know of my innumerable retreats to practice Vipassana Meditation and my continuing practice. These two developments coming as they did, immediately one after the other, has led me to give serious consideration to going off on another ten day retreat soon! My readers will know about it much before I actually do.
I could not do without my solitude now.
sometimes I wonder if I were always destined to live in a certain solitude.
I wouldn’t take anything for my wonderful time with bob.
but the older I get the more I simply enjoy my own quiet company.
I used to worry I was selfish. but I don’t even think that anymore!
i’m just content and joyful inside.
and yes… it would be good to let us know you’re going on retreat!
and also…
thanks to people like you who DO practice vipassana meditation…
we probably have the peace in the world that we have. on my behalf…
thank you rummy.
You are a well adjusted person Tammy. In many respects, I envy you.
It is interesting when two events coincide and make us rethink an action, or plans. Like Tammi, the older I get the more I appreciate some time for solitude. I am interested in your review of the book.
I am not surprised.
Solitude has been of interest to me for some time. When it is an unwanted necessity it becomes difficult and then I feel lonely. More and more, however, I come to realisation that this can be a very much wanted situation even without support of a special meditation. I will be looking forward to your review of the book.
When due to natural factors one gets to appreciate solitude, it is a smoother transition than if one were forced into one when the question of loneliness or solitude keeps popping up.
Currently here, it is only me – rattling around in a rather large house – I should be in a smaller more convenient place – but with no car, I’m within walking distance of shops/etc.
I do get lonely – often in the evening when I would like a SO to tell me how there day has gone, someone to wash up the dishes and maybe put the garbage out!
But then I think, well I would have had to have dinner ready at xyz time if a SO was here, not just a toasted sannie because I didn’t feel like a full on meal…
If I’m really lonely, I plan a day out soon-as and have a grand time on a bus/train hopping trip around the region 🙂
When I stopped going to University – I thought I would be more lonely but as time has gone on – I really like my solitude to do whatever I want, and I’m not even really leaving the house as much, I like being here!
In the initial stages after my late wife died, I too felt lonely on many evenings but did have the company of my son and also for a while my father. Caring for the latter left me with little time to feel anything other than busy and so the transition was rather simple.
As you know, I enjoy a lot of alone time. I’m looking forward to your review.
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Unfortunately, after making a good start, I have not been able to find the time to read the book as a lot of time is now being spent on guests, magazines and other matters. I will get around to it again in a few days when things get less hectic and then will review.
Being alone is not the same as being lonely. When you are lonely, you long for the company of others. When you are alone, you have yourself for company. Some of us need that time alone to rejuvenate our mind and spirit. But if we are spiritual people, we know we are never truly alone!
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I experience both quite often as I live with my son and daughter in law as well as a dog!
I have always loved solitude. I restore my soul in the quiet of my own company. Even my chattering mind cannot destroy my joy in it. And there’s a balance…I love being with the people I love, too.
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The time I spend meditating, or at the neighbourhood part till the other walkers finish and join me at the bench, or solving crossword puzzles all give me the ‘charge the battery’ opportunities.
Firstly, I must admit I did not know you do vipassana. Secondly the comment from Still the Lucky Few is phenomenal and well thought out. I am currently doing parayanam of Srimad Bhagavatham and solitude is heavily promoted there too..
My regular readers know about my practicing Vipassana. Parayanam is another very effective method. I just never got around to it as I somehow short circuited and went to meditation rather than the chanting, parayanam route.