The childhood moments of solitude that Steve Olsen describes in this post are very similar to my own childhood growing up in rural Northern Ohio. With only 2,000 in the town, it was actually very easy to find time and places where you could be alone for hours. After 20 years here in Los Angles, I miss that more than ever.

I also relate to his alternating desires to be with people and then be alone. I need interaction to charge the batteries and then some solitude to use the power to create something. It is finding the balance that is so difficult.

I often spend my lunches alone, reading and writing and thinking and I like it that way. Joining someone for lunch is different and sometimes I will find myself urging the end of the lunch so I can get back to something I can feel in my body and mind…something alone.

As for technology, whenever anyone complains about the burdens of Blackberry’s, pagers, email and such, I simply tell them to “Turn the damn thing off!” We are in charge of our technology, at least for a little while longer. As either Huxley or Orwell or both fortold, when there no longer is an OFF button, we are truly lost.

Why You Should Always Eat Lunch Alone (Well, Almost Always)

Do you crave solitude or do you fear being alone? Let me share something I discovered about myself in the last few days. I discovered one of my lifelong desires.

I read this today and I began to think about my life. I have always craved solitude. But I rarely find it. With two small children at home, a moment of solitude and silence is precious.

(Continues)

(Via steve-olson.com.)

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