When Isolation Is Ok

[caressa]

DAILY OM

All By Myself
When Isolation Is Ok

We all need time alone. Even those of us who are social butterflies need some time to ourselves. Solitude is necessary for meditation and quiet reflection. We also may choose to isolate ourselves when we are busy and need to meet a deadline. We may cherish time alone when we want to give ourselves over to art or music, lose ourselves in a good book, or delve into a personal project. Having time to ourselves allows us to focus completely on our yoga practice or get into the zone while running or strength training. Sometimes we need to be alone to simply do nothing but enjoy the sound of silence. Our alone time revitalizes and replenishes us, grounding us in our own company.

Yet, too much isolation, especially when our intention is to hide, withdraw, or not deal with the realities of our lives is not physically, mentally, or spiritually healthy. It is during moments like these when being in isolation takes us away from our lives, rather than enhancing it. If anything, too much isolation can create a buffer whereby we don’t have to deal with our problems. Sometimes, pushing ourselves to deal with our issues and be in our lives, rather than isolate, is one of the best gifts we can give to ourselves.

Also, just as it is important for us to have our "alone" time, we need to remember that as human beings, we are by nature social creatures that thrive on human contact. Our lives cannot occur in a vacuum, and we cannot fully live in this world without interacting with others. Consider using isolation as time spent for rest, reinvigoration, and personal growth. Isolation can then not only empower you, but it can allow you to return to your work and your relationships restored and ready for life.

What do you think?

Being alone was a problem in early recovery but it has been a gift in sobriety. The ability to be able to detach and rejuvinate is a real tool which allows me to fill myself up so I can give away the overflow. Before I realized this, I repeatedly suffered from burn out. Always giving more than I was receiving, not only in the meetings, doing service, and my relationship, I found it wasn't easy to accomplish much when you are running on fumes.

[MrDuck]

When I am ok with me and the Big Guy I don't have a problem with isolation. I deal with people pretty much all day long. When the day is done or I have time away from people I enjoy it. Not that I hate people. Just enjoy my time alone.

Ron

[caressa]

You are so right Ron, it is about being alright with me. There are times when I just shut off the music, the TV, screen my phone calls, and just pick up a book or do a meditation or just do a job that needs doing. Other times, I will put on music, preferably without words and commercials, which I find relaxing and have often gone to sleep with it playing and I get a really restful sleep.

[caressa222]

A lot of us are going through isolation during these trying times. My prayers are with you.