To Be With You...

After Supermal's introduction the following piece may seem a bit heavy but here it is. It is also the

reason behind not coming out with Supermal's further editions. What I am feeling right now is very difficult to explain and its been long since I have written anything. But today I want to write about solitude. Its exactly not the loneliness but then, it is.

You don’t need to be a monk to find solitude, nor do you need to be a loner to enjoy it.

Solitude is a lost art in these days of ultra-connectedness, and while I don’t lament the beauty of this global community, I do think there’s a need to step back from it on a regular basis.

Some of my favorite activities include sitting in front of the computer screen which is off, still, contemplating … walking, alone with my thoughts … disconnecting and just writing … finding quiet with a good novel … taking a solitary bath.

Don’t get me wrong: I love being with loved ones (probably more then anyone I know ;) ), and walking with a friend or watching the sunset or going shopping with my wife or reading a book with my child are also among my absolute favorite things in the world.

But solitude, in these days as much as ever, is an absolute necessity.

The Benefits of Solitude

The best art is created in solitude, for good reason: it’s only when we are alone that we can reach into ourselves and find truth, beauty, soul. Some of the most famous philosophers took daily walks, and it was on these walks that they found their deepest thoughts.

My best writing, and in fact the best of anything I’ve done, was created in solitude....

Just a few of the benefits I’ve found from solitude:

· time for thought

· in being alone, we get to know ourselves

· we face our demons, and deal with them

· space to create

· space to unwind, and find peace

· time to reflect on what we’ve done, and learn from it

· isolation from the influences of other helps us to find our own voice

· quiet helps us to appreciate the smaller things that get lost in the roar of lif

There are many more benefits, but that’s to get you started. The real benefits of solitude cannot be expressed through words, but must be found in doing.

Now the question is “How to Find Solitude?”

You start by disconnecting.

Take every means of connecting with others, and cut them. Disconnect from email, from Facebook and Twitter from forums and social media, from instant messaging , from news websites and blogs, from cricinfo and espnsoccernet. Turn off your mobile device and landline phones.

Turn off the computer … unless you’re going to use the computer to create, in which case, shut off the Internet, close your browser, and shut down every other program used to connect with others.

The next steps depend on which of two strategies you use:

1. Holing yourself up. This can be done in your office, by shutting the door and/or using headphones and the calming music of your choice. If possible, let coworkers know you can’t be disturbed during a certain block of your day. Or it can be done at home, by finding a quiet space, shutting the door if you can, or using headphones. The key is to find a way to shut out the outside world, including co-workers or those who live with you without offending them.

2. Getting away. My favorite way to find solitude, actually. Get out the door, and enjoy the outdoors. Take a walk, or go on your bike or car. Get out of the city of deep into it. Find a place where nobody knows you. A place where you don’t belong then choose either People watch, or nature watch.

Sometimes above given choices don’t workout some how here are the other tips. That I am sure anyone can do.

► Try taking a quiet, relaxing bath from time to time.

► Curl up with a good novel.

► If you’re married with kids, ask your spouse to give you some time off to be alone, and then return the favor. Make it a regular swap.

► Take a walk every day.

► Get into work earlier, and work in quiet. (Very effective).

► Have a nice cup of coffee or tea if you prefer but alone doing nothing..

► Try sitting still, and focusing on your breath as it comes in and goes out. As your mind wanders to thoughts of the past and future, make a patient note of that, then gently return to your breathing.

Above all try to do atleast one of the above thing everyday. let it be for 5 minutes only. I have tried to sound a genius and a thinker in this article which I am of course. but next article would definitely be the Supermal's adventure and will try my hand with some humour. (for those who didn't find above article funny) To prove my ingeniousness (or my internet searching skills) I will sign off with a quote.

“I never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude. We are for the most part more lonely when we go abroad among men than when we stay in our chambers.” - Henry David Thoreau