Experiencing Solitude in Ashram

Loneliness is marked by a sense of isolation. Solitude, on the other hand, is a state of being alone without being lonely and can lead to self-awareness. As the world spins faster and faster -- we mortals need a variety of ways to cope with the resulting pressures. We need to maintain some semblance of balance and some sense that we are steering the ship of our life.

Otherwise we feel overloaded, overreact to minor annoyances and feel like we can never catch up. As far as I am concerned, one of the best ways is by seeking and enjoying solitude.

There is a world of difference between solitude and loneliness, though the two terms are often used interchangeably. From the outside, solitude and loneliness look a lot alike. Both are characterized by solitariness. But all resemblance ends at the surface.

Loneliness is a negative state, marked by a sense of isolation. One feels that something is missing. It is possible to be with people and still feel lonely -- perhaps the most bitter form of loneliness.

Solitude is the state of being alone without being lonely. It is a positive and constructive state of engagement with oneself. Solitude is desirable, a state of being alone where you provide yourself wonderful and sufficient company.

Solitude is a time that can be used for reflection, inner search or growth or enjoyment of some kind. Deep reading requires solitude, so does experiencing the beauty of nature. Thinking and creativity usually do too.

Solitude suggests peacefulness stemming from a state of inner richness. It is a means of enjoying the quiet and whatever it brings. i.e. satisfaction from which we draw sustenance. It is something we cultivate. Solitude is refreshing; an opportunity to renew ourselves. In other words, it replenishes us.

Loneliness is harsh, punishment, a deficiency state, a state of discontent marked by a sense of estrangement, an awareness of excess aloneness.

Solitude is something you choose. Loneliness is imposed on you by others.

We all need periods of solitude, although temperamentally we probably differ in the amount of solitude we need. Some solitude is essential; it gives us time to explore and know ourselves. It is the necessary counterpoint to intimacy, what allows us to have a self worthy of sharing.

Solitude gives us a chance to regain perspective. It renews us for the challenges of life. It allows us to get into the position of driving our own lives, rather than having them run by schedules and demands of the society .

Solitude restores body and mind. Loneliness depletes them. Solitude is a great tool to work on self to know the working of mind, to reconnect with ones being. Masters of all religion have always laid great stress on being alone so as to really grow the degree of awareness. Cutting our self away from mad paraphernalia of world and moving inwards inch by inch closer to our divinity. The beauty of solitude is further enhanced when the divine love blossoms in our heart. Initially it can be very taxing as seeing the reality of our wicked mind frustrates more. The maddening thought processes of mind, the ghost of past begin to torture more and more. But if one stays with tolerance and doesn’t run away from solitude then the real essence of being in solitude opens up.

Gurumaa ashram provides this opportunity to experience solitude. There are two kinds of retreats - seven days and twenty one days. In this, meditator stays within confines of his room. Food is provided in the room itself and one meditates throughout the time. Experiences of individuals are the testimony of this above stated truth. Those who could dare to confront their mind could experience a deep silence and tranquility of mind. No props are used, no reading material, no listening to music, no mantra chanting. Encountering the mind in its rawness; no layers, no hypocrisies. First week can be a hell but gradually things improve and it turns out to be more and more peaceful. But before enrolling for intense seven day or twenty one day retreat one should be meditating at home sincerely.