The other side of loneliness

It is common for loneliness to be identified as something negative and harmful. This is because it is usually associated with sadness and despair. However, Loneliness has a positive and necessary face, which often goes unnoticed. We say a hidden face because of the negative shadow that exists around this concept.

The Italian writer Carlos Dossi uttered the following phrase. “Why, in general, is loneliness avoided? Because there are very few who find company with themselves.” And it is that Solitude is, indisputably, the best way to get closer to ourselves.

Loneliness and introspection

When we are with other people, we most often focus our attention on their presence, on the conversations we have with them. In this way, we overlook things that do not go unnoticed when we are alone. When we are alone we look around us, we notice many more details. Details such as landscapes, houses, other people and much more.

Learning to live with yourself is a very important exercise to know yourself as a person. Knowing how to enjoy the only company of the self will give us strength and self-esteem. It will also teach us to respect ourselves.

Being alone allows us to put problems in perspective and calmly analyze what makes us happy and what upsets us. A fundamental step to understand our feelings and our attitudes, but also those of others. Something that will help us improve interpersonal relationships and the capacity for empathy.

Charles Baudelaire said: “He who does not know how to populate his solitude, does not know how to be alone among a busy crowd.” And it is that, If we do not know how to control loneliness, it will be the one that controls us. It is wise, therefore, to spend moments in solitude, get to know ourselves and separate ourselves from the hustle and bustle of constant company. In this way, we will strengthen ourselves as individuals and grow as people.

Solitude and creativity

Creativity is something that develops mainly when you are alone. A musician who does not know how to spend three hours or three days alone with himself will hardly be able to find in his spirit the notes he wants to capture on a staff. And he will hardly be able to compose, since the creative process almost always takes place without any type of company.

However, nothing is absolute and, of course, you can also be creative by working in a group or with your partner, friends or family.

As we can see, There are many intellectuals who mentioned the positive side of spending time alone, as well as the advantages it offers to the individual. Obviously, its negative connotations can be very serious and harmful, and can be very dangerous. However, it is also important to talk about the advantages of being alone from time to time and tolerating this loneliness.

Solitude is, therefore, beneficial when it is voluntary and temporary in nature.. It allows you to reflect calmly, get to know yourself, discover strengths and improve attitudes. We must not, however, let it take over our lives and continually isolating ourselves is not convenient for mental health.

Finally, another quote. This time from the Brazilian writer Paulo Coelho, who also summarizes what is trying to be said here on this issue: ““a warrior of light uses solitude, but is not used by it.”

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