Solitude

When are we alone with our thoughts? When are we free from other inputs? No music, podcasts, books. Just you and your thoughts, processing.

I used to pride myself that I was constantly being productive and learning because I never did anything in silence. NPR or Malcolm Gladwell or [insert latest podcast craze] were my constant companions on walks, public transit, while doing chores, when driving…

During one of these podcast sessions (ironically) Cal Newport dropped a knowledge bomb into my productive, happy life: “Simply put, humans are not wired to be constantly wired.” (Rich Roll Podcast, link here). Cal defines solitude as, “freedom from inputs from other humans.” This insight unlocked a few others for me at the time. When “always on” is my norm…

• I get into a cycle of only consuming and not creating
• I don’t pause to reflect and process all the information I cram into my brain
• I don’t form critical opinions, I just continue to seek information without it really informing a true perspective
• My focus becomes poor
• I become uncomfortable being alone with my thoughts

Why is this relevant now? Solitude was much easier to find when we were in lockdown from a global pandemic. Now that I’m in business school (and that the world is becoming more socially active with the widespread availability of the covid-19 vaccine), I have to create space for solitude.

Lately, my solitude has been during my morning walks with my dog. I don’t take headphones, and I just enjoy the morning. I let my mind wander, and I’ve found that this consistent time every morning keeps me grounded when life feels overwhelming. Today was my first day back to walks with Copper after a 3-week hiatus, and I didn’t realize how much I had missed this regular time of solitude until now.