I love spending time alone. Ironically, I’ve realized making time for some alone moments has tremendously helped me to create loving, meaningful relationships with others.
An unexpected benefit of spending time alone
According to Forbes, alone time helps us overcome the “us-versus-them” mentality.
Tribalism is the norm. We are, after all, constantly surrounded by others. They think this way, I think differently.
Alone time makes us more empathetic and kindly dissolves the us-versus-them mentality, that line between us and others. I do believe everything is interconnected, and that in a strange, magic-like way, we’re all one.
However, it’s hard to keep that in mind when we can’t choose the people we surround ourselves with, and they’re shitty people.
I always love people more and feel more capable of seeing things from their point of view after indulging myself with distance.
More benefits
Time alone enhances our creative thinking, making you more productive, and the outcome inherently better. Our concentration improves.
Even though we have enough inner “noise” as is, external distractions are a huge culprit. It’s easier to get shit done when we don’t allow digressions to interrupt our train of thought. We need to be more cautious with what we choose to pay attention to. Alone time helps us see clearly what is essential and what isn’t.
Spending time alone, getting to know ourselves strengthens our sense of self and boosts our self-confidence.
إذا عرفت نفسك فلا يضرك ما قيل فيك
Imam Sufyan Al Tha
“If you know yourself, then you’ll not be harmed by what is said about you.”
How beautiful is that?! Another unexpected benefit of spending time alone: If you’re aware of your worth (and vices, bullshit, limiting ways), you’re not about to take shit from others.
Low key, I believe people that have an issue with spending time alone, have underlying psychological issues. What are you trying to avoid? What are you afraid of?
If you are lonely when you’re alone, you are in bad company.
Jean-Paul Sartre
Today, I went alone to a lovely coffee shop near my place. I didn’t take my phone or laptop or a book with me. It was just me, no distractions, no interruptions. I mindfully enjoyed my coffee, the sun shining on my face, the cars and people passing by. I had such a productive rest of the day, and I have a feeling it’s about to get better.
Give yourself a chance to get to know yourself better, you might be delighted with what you find out.
If you liked this, I think you’ll enjoy Shhhh… Listen! Do You Hear the Sound of Vulnerability?