Although spending time alone is a fundamental need, throughout the 20th century and until now in the 21st century we have seen an increase in the value that is given to social relationships, which while contributing to our well-being, the perception His lack is, in many cases, a source of fear and anguish.
There are several meditation practices that include spending time alone. In some of them, one of the tasks is to spend a few days completely in solitude and in absolute silence, almost without contact with the outside world. Do you feel able to do this?
- It can be difficult for most people: we are not used to such a low level of stimulation.
- Isolating themselves and not having contact for a while is a test of fire.
- For this you will need training.
- However.
- If it is a regular exercise among those who meditate.
- It is precisely because it brings enormous benefits.
- In addition.
- A well-managed loneliness strengthens us.
“All the big, beautiful things are lonely. ” John Steinbeck?
Social relationships require a lot of us, especially when they are very broad and close, and, of course, they generate many satisfactions, however, without you noticing, it is also something in which you invest a lot of time and energy.
We end up living for the good of others, work, couple, family, friends?There are many social areas in which we operate, and each has its own demands and tensions. We often get to a point where we can’t tell exactly where our desires end and where the collective begins, or vice versa.
Spending time alone is a way to redirect our attention and energy to ourselves. A chance to be? Selfish without feeling guilty, these spaces help us rediscover ourselves: to realize how much we are without the influence of this usual context.
In a way, loneliness also imposes silence, there is a shift of attention from outside to inside, when you stop using the part of the brain responsible for speech, other areas of this organ begin to act more intensely.
In particular, attention and concentration have been shown to increase; in loneliness, thought and mind develop; at first, thoughts can be dispersed, but it is normal for them to then take a more defined form.
If you spend time alone for several days, you will gradually become aware. This means you’ll start realizing ideas and feelings you weren’t aware of. It’s a way to “wake up,” connect with the dialogue you have with yourself.
Studies show that loneliness and silence benefit the folds of the cerebral cortex, which apparently makes gray matter in the brain thicker and the result is that you become more competent in processing information.
This has a positive impact on your cognitive processes. When he returns to his normal life, he discovers that he learns and memorizes more easily, making the most of any intellectual activity, which makes him more productive.
In addition, it is very likely that in those moments of solitude will appear what you call “Eureka moments”, that is, sudden breaths. In other words, these conditions facilitate the emergence of creativity.
Ideally, you can count at least 10 minutes a day to spend time alone. This does not mean being alone and locked up unexpectedly, but having the time and space available to be with us. If this is not possible every day, at least three times a week.
Now, in the phases where we feel very?Overwhelmed? Or oppressed, you may need to exercise more intensely. It is advisable to take a trip alone. You don’t have to go to the other side of the world, but it has to be a space that really allows you to break with your routine.
Be prepared to feel some discomfort, especially if you haven’t already. Every change implies some resistance. However, if you follow “your moment of inertia,” with no purpose other than to be with yourself, you’ll realize it’s a worthwhile experience.