Solitude: Explore Your Private Sea (DQ Solo)

#116:

“It is easier to sail many thousands of miles through cold and storm and cannibals…than it is to explore the private sea, the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans of one’s being alone.”

• Henry David Thoreau, Walden

 

 

Henry David Thoreau wrote these words during his 2 year and 2 months of solitude living an isolated cabin in Walden, Massachusetts.

 

I reckon* our last 2 months enables us to more deeply appreciate what HDT means by this.

 

Back when things were “normal,” one of the chief complaints I heard was being life being “too busy.”

 

Now, it’s not stimulating enough.

 

It seems that no matter the conditions…

 

…we’re always somewhat discontent.

 

I know this feeling quite well.

Although not as well as I used to.

 

These last 5 years I’ve cultivated a deep practice of solitude:

 

The art of finding peace, contentment and joy through being with one’s self.

 

These last 8 weeks have brought deep pain to my heart for those who have lost tremendously.

 

This time has also brought me a welcome opportunity to get to know myself better at the deepest of levels.

 

For the first time in my life, I can tell you…

 

…I am deeply proud of who I see.

 

And just as importantly…

 

…I finally enjoy hanging out with just me.

 

I want that for you too.

 

Doing the inner work…will make that inevitable.

 

Let’s walk that path together.

 

-DQ

 

*shout out to my Aussie readers