I remember looking forward to my periods of solitude as kid. I used to sit on the sunporch of my parents' third floor apartment building and watch the sun go down every night. My parents would give me some time to line up my animals and dolls and just sit there. I remember it so well. I would watch the cars go by, I would watch the fire trucks race and most importantly I would watch people. (Remember the book Harriet the Spy? Well, I was kind of like her!) City living was always exciting and taking it all in from a window was so much fun. I treasured that time alone and I am thankful I had it. Occasionally, one of my parents would stop in to say goodnight to the sun with me. Then, I would head off to bed comforted by the fact that I knew the sun would return the next day and I could watch it all over again. I loved the fact that I was never over-scheduled as a kid. Corey and Corey (2010) discuss how counselors often see children who suffer from stress because they are so busy. I think it's good to keep kids busy to a point but there has to be a healthy limit. Every kid needs at least one day when he/she is not overbooked. Some of the greatest self discoveries can come from independent play time.
I have definitely made these memories a part of my existence. I try to take time (at least once a week) to just look out the window and really SEE the world. I like to do this at night too when the moon is out and the whole world seems to be bathed in a sea of silver. This solitude is peaceful and calming for me. This is usually how I can experience mindfulness. It will happen during peaceful periods of solitude when I can try to appreciate the beauty around me.
Thankfully, I didn't experience too much loneliness because I had two younger sisters. I learned to fight, share and forgive. I think having more than one sibling teaches you to appreciate periods of solitude. I was always thankful to have some time to myself and my parents helped us arrange that time.
Before I sign off and prepare to begin my reading for next week's blog, I just want to mention a story I read as an undergrad. Henry James's The Beast in the Jungle is a deep and painful story about love, loss and loneliness. If you can make it through the thick-as-a-rainforest details, you will enjoy the underlying message and appreciate the beauty of his writing. (I often have to read his stories more than once to fully understand them.) Read it if you ever get the chance!
Corey, G., & Corey, M.S. (2010). I never knew I had a choice:Explorations in personal growth. (9th ed.) Belmont, California: Thompson Brooks/Cole.
No comments:
Post a Comment