The Solitude of the Soul

As we approach the Christmas season, the phrase “solitude of the soul” comes to mind. For any holiday brings apprehension to many people. I have never enjoyed celebrations of any kind. Why? Because they are inherently mental. Do you not spend time feeling guilty for not doing a good enough job in shopping and cooking and yes, looking good? If there is a fly in the ointment, it is always the ego!

Now I am too old to worry about such things. I have gone so deep into solitude that I can vouch for its aura of rest and relaxation, something the holidays don’t have.

Socializing may have been more meaningful back when people were isolated on farms, but now we see other people all the time. Having studied my own warts, I also see them in other people, for to see one is to see them all.

Every year Rob hangs the old wreath and puts a bow on the mailbox. That is IT! Oh, I have a few decorative items in the kitchen, which is where we spend our time. But no one comes to ooh and ah over them.

No one knows I am on the path. And I often forget it myself! It is then that feelings of guilt creep in and began telling me I am antisocial. It is a strange thing to know that the world can get along without you.

The world is a projection of what is within. When you are able to sit quietly, all of the nightmares evaporate, at least for a few minutes.

The soul is solitude itself and most of us know this, having been seekers for years and years. Why decorate the soul with extraneous emotions? It dislikes chaos and glitter on its fingernails.

End of rant. Beginning of more solitude.

Vicki Woodyard