My emotions move like the tides of the ocean and in any given day I feel these undulations manifesting in an often turbulent emotional landscape. Thankfully, I recognize that what I am usually feeling is an energy shift outside of myself. The uneasy feelings that follow me are not really of my own doing and may be a product of others worries, fears and anxiety.  It has taken many years to understand this by becoming more aware of the emotional temperature of my surroundings. One way in which I have learned to calm this energetic storm is by being quiet, retreating into that internal and private space that is mine and mine alone. When the energy is coming from external sources, this is the only way to find balance once again.

 

“If you’re lonely when you’re alone, you’re in bad company.”

~ Jean-Paul Sartre

 

To those around me, it may appear that I am a bit more quiet than usual.  This retreat does not mean hiding out in a room with the lights dimmed, but moving about my day in a more reserved fashion. I suspect if another is keyed into energy, they can sense that I am not my usual open and inviting self. As one going through this process, I often feel foggy and muted. I see the world happening around me, with little interest in the circumstance. It all seems very dreamlike and in this state my mind is sorting and analyzing many pieces of information while resting from all of the emotional static. I never know how long I will be in this place, and am just as surprised as the next when I suddenly shift back into the welcoming and friendly self that is my status quo.

 

“Writing is utter solitude, the descent into the cold abyss of oneself.”

~ Franz Kafka

 

Sitting quietly and finding some semblance of tranquility, going on a hike in nature, reading a good book or sitting on my back porch speeds up this process. I breathe deeply, let my body relax and let go.  I let go of what is not mine, the problems, the worries and the misgivings. I remind myself that they are not for me and I focus my intention on this letting go. Once I have done this, I feel much better, refreshed and somehow brighter.

 

“A little while alone in your room will prove more valuable than anything else that could ever be given you.”

~ Rumi

 

If I am with someone that does not understand my need for space, things can get dicey. When I require time to recharge and am not afforded it, I can sadly become moody or withdrawn, having have no way to release all of the external energy that I have been carrying. For this reason and many others, the importance of solitude for an introspective person cannot be stressed enough. If you have people in your life that require this time, give it to them. Don’t add additional stress to their life by setting limitations on this time. You will also find that by carving out some space for introspection, you may become more balanced and open as well. Not a bad tradeoff for some time alone.