Solitude in the Winter Season

By Gayle Bohlman, LCSW-C

Notice what Mother Nature is doing the next time you step outside this January. There is a stillness present. Nature has slowed way down; all is at rest. There is a deep silence that is present on a Winter morning, especially if the ground is covered with snow. We might allow ourselves to attend to some of these words: Stillness, slowing, rest, silence.

This atmosphere may invite you into some time of solitude. The winter season is especially inviting for contemplation, retreat, even hibernation!

Sometimes, solitude may be experienced as uncomfortable or even scary. We may associate solitude with loneliness. Some of us long for solitude because we find restorative gifts in that time alone. Whatever your experience consider experimenting with some time of solitude and see what it might hold for you.

Increased comfort with solitary time can actually be a resource for loneliness. Here are a couple of thoughts about solitude:

“In solitude the mind finds strength and learns to lean upon itself.”

( Lawrence Sterne)

“In the silence we listen to ourselves. We describe ourselves to ourselves, and in the quietude, we may even hear the voice of God.”

(Maya Angelou)

I hope you will find some time for solitude and in that solitude, you will find rest, and stillness, and restoration. You will be able to hear yourself and feel yourself and experience peace.