I am sticking with my intention to read the book Simple Abundance throughout the year, more or less. I’m not diligent, but I do pick it up every few days and read the entry for that day. In today’s entry Sarah talks to us about spending time alone. Sometimes it is necessary to snatch time whenever we can find it. This may mean in the very early morning, the wee hours late into the night, or at some point in between.
Us working folks might find the lunch hour to be the best time for quiet time. This one precious space in the middle of the workday that we can (hopefully) do with as we wish. I find myself using my lunchtime to read or write a lot of days. Sometimes I will get out and walk if the weather is nice. By and large though, for me often the best solitude is spent at my desk, reading or finding inspiration in the scenery out the windows. I love watching for birds who come into and out of the view, landing on a tree branch for a minute or so. Then they are gone.
Another great place for recharging is sitting in or walking through a garden. This could be your own garden, that of a friend, or a public park or arboretum. Aren’t the public gardens just the best?! To be amongst all that cultured and wild beauty without having to lift a finger tending it or having to interact with anyone (unless you want to, of course). Just soaking up the view. The man and I visited the Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco back in 2005 while on honeymoon. It was just delightful!
Apologies for the not-so-great quality of photos, it was 2005 after all. Cameras have come a long way, for sure.
While this was not a visit to spend in solitude for me (due to the honeymoon aspect, haha), I can see that this might be the perfect place to spend some time alone. While there are other visitors all around, it would be absolutely possible to be in a world of one’s own at this garden.
Revisiting these old photos, I am vowing to get back there again one day. I had forgotten what a magical place this garden is.
Why is it so important to have this time for oneself? As an introvert I can tell you that it helps to recharge the mental batteries. But, I suspect that even my extrovert friends sometimes benefit from a bit of alone time. I love the moments of solitude that life sometimes gives. Do you?
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