Solitude Will Make You a Better Writer

Summary

Solitude is presented as a crucial element for enhancing a writer's self-awareness, thought organization, and creativity.

Abstract

The article emphasizes the importance of embracing solitude for writers, suggesting that time alone can lead to increased peace of mind, clarity, and creativity. It recounts a personal experience from Kangaroo Island to illustrate the profound impact of solitude on personal well-being and the writing process. The article cites wisdom from Sadhguru and references Paulette Perhach's book, 'Welcome to the Writer’s Life,' to underscore the value of solitude in filtering out external thoughts and refining one's own. It also notes that solitude's benefits are amplified when it is a choice and not isolation, highlighting the necessity of a supportive community for a writer's development. The conclusion reiterates that solitude, when chosen, deepens self-awareness, organizes thoughts, and enhances the crispness of writing, while also boosting creativity.

Opinions

Solitude is essential for writers to achieve a level of self-awareness and peace that is as significant as social connections.
Being alone with one's thoughts initially causes anxiety but eventually leads to better self-understanding and emotional organization.
Writers need to be comfortable in solitude to effectively block out external influences and focus on their unique voice.
Solitude is most beneficial when it is a deliberate choice and not a form of isolation; maintaining social connections is also important.
Writing communities provide guidance, validation, and encouragement, which are necessary complements to the solitary aspect of writing.
The article suggests that the creative process is inherently solitary, yet it is not a lonely endeavor but a fulfilling one.
The author personally values the solitary time as it stirs creativity and generates ideas, joy, and hope.
A quote from William Faulkner differentiates between solitude and loneliness, emphasizing that writing is a solitary but not lonely pursuit.
Readers are invited to join the author's newsletter for further insights into writing, philosophy, and psychology.

How to embrace solitude to further your art and cultivate deeper self-awareness.

Photo by Author

Have you ever been to Kangaroo Island? I was in Adelaide, Australia once on a business trip. On the weekend, I took the ferry out to Kangaroo Island by myself. A solitary trip to a remote destination where I didn’t get any cell phone reception. I was truly by myself with nothing in particular to do. If my life had a highlights reel, this trip would be featured in slow motion.

It was memorable because on this trip I was finally able to be by myself and enjoy it. I have never been so peaceful and clear-headed in my life.

If you have not yet learned to be happy in solitude, you are missing out on one of life’s greatest joys. It is as essential and fulfilling as having someone else to share your life with. To have a wholesome sense of self, you need to be able to do both, be with others and by yourself.

Almost every wise person will emphasize the importance of solitude. Hear what Sadhguru has to say on the topic:

Here is what happens when you are alone with your thoughts:

First, you freak out and there is a frenzy of questions and problems in your mind. However, if you ride it out and give yourself enough silence and solitude the frenzy will calm down. Slowly, you will be able to differentiate and label your thoughts. You will learn how to ‘observe’ your thoughts. This is when you start to ‘organize’ your emotions and feelings and that is how you start to cultivate a deeper understanding of yourself.

When you are writing you are by yourself in your head, so, having organized thoughts helps you get comfortable. Paulette Perhach writes about this in her book ‘Welcome to the Writer’s Life.’ She explains how we are able to block out other people’s thoughts and opinions only when we are alone. This is especially true if you happen to be a people pleaser. Our brains are constantly being implanted with other people's thoughts. The solitude lets you filter through to hear your own. To craft your thoughts crisply, clean out the junk.

Don’t get me wrong, you need your community too

Research by the University at Buffalo also claims that solitude increases creativity. However, it only works if you have existing social groups and positive relationships and solitude is a choice. So, no need to be a loner.

Writing groups and communities are essential. You need them to feel like you are a part of something bigger. To get the guidance, validation, and encouragement that you sometimes don’t get from comments and claps. When all is said and done, though, you are back to your desk, your laptop, and your coffee.

I have learned to love being alone with my thoughts. That is when the magic of creation starts stirring up in my brain. I look forward to the silence when my brain will start buzzing with ideas, manufacturing joy and hope.

In conclusion:

Solitude helps you deepen your self-awareness.

Silence and solitude allow you to organize your thoughts and emotions

This clarity will be reflected in your writing, making it crisper.

Solitude amps up your creativity only if it is a choice. So, don’t say bye-bye to your social groups.

“Writing is a solitary job — that is, no one can help you with it, but there’s nothing lonely about it. I have always been too busy, too immersed in what I was doing, either mad at it or laughing at it to have time to wonder whether I was lonely or not lonely. It’s simply solitary. I think there is a difference between loneliness and solitude.” ― William Faulkner at the University of Virginia

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