Solitude

                 Solitude

" Tell him to be alone often and get at himself
and above all tell himself no lies about himself
Tell him solitude is creative if he's strong
and the final decisions are made in silent rooms.
He will be lonely enough
to have time for the work
he knows as his own."
                     Carl Sandburg.

Yes, solitude can be creative when you are strong. And it can turn out to be a great blessing when your solitude is spent in the awesome presence of God. You may be the one and only person stranded in a deserted island with not even a crow to caw to keep you company, yet you will never feel lonely  because the spirit within you have all the time and freedom to talk, sing and even find answer to all the grueling questions you have never obtained solutions so far.

Yes, solitude is a necessity, especially in our era of rush and push culture where stopping to take a break seems like a toll or waste of time. Philosophy is born in the land of solitude. Worship becomes holy when quietness and solitude are in place.
If only people could see what a blessing solitude could bring, they would stop running after booze, sex, and other vices, they seek to escape loneliness.

Solitude need to be something sought after than to be escaped from. Only in times of solitude, your eyes open to see tiny ants rolling a dried up leaf on the floor or enjoy the smell of wild roses down the path ,the song of a lonely bird up on the branch or the lungful of sea breeze. Such enjoyment surely rejuvenate our body and soul to empower creativity. Great stories, songs and wisdom become the fruits of solitude.

Well, say no more-" Solitude is boring!" Do not be scared of loneliness. Instead, embrace it with openness whenever and wherever you encounter it. Relish in its comfort and reap its benefits to share with the world.

(June 23, 2005)