The Little Blue Book

Being alone, solitude, is not the same as being lonely. Loneliness is different; we can be lonely in a crowd. Feelings of loneliness come from a perception of being alone, of disconnection, of a chasm of separation. And, behind that perception sits a bunch of negative emotions and negative thinking – like low self- esteem and feelings of worthlessness, or feeling misunderstood or ‘unlikeable’ – that can amplify the sense of separation, of ‘aloneness’. Loneliness can be deeply distressing. Solitude, however, is different. It can have a positive effect on mental health and wellbeing. Many artists and writers (and other creative thinkers) thrive on long hours of solitude. Many would argue that finding a space of your own is as important for self-discovery as it is for creativity. Being alone – free of intrusion – allows us to find our deepest thoughts. It promotes reflection and contemplation and can liberate new ideas from the discordant and fragmented clutter of lights and sounds that rain down on us throughout the day. There is something especially human in silence and contemplation. We all need it to a degree; it elevates us and recharges something deep within. We can find it in meditation, in sitting by a riverbank, sanding back a piece of furniture or quietly and methodically pulling down an engine in the shed. SOLITUDE: HOW IT DIFFERS TO LONELINESS COVID-19: The Challenge 34