Venture Out Alone

As American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude.”

These days, people are almost constantly connected through texting, instant messaging, email, or cell phones. Socializing is fun — essential, even — but you can get too much of a good thing. It’s more important than ever to go solo on occasion. Choose activities that allow you to relax, reflect, and recharge:

Take a hike. Exercise has been shown to relieve stress, and the beauty of the outdoors can be a great backdrop for evaluating where you are in life — and where you want to go.

Retreat yourself. If you can’t get away, make time for a long, hot bath or shower; add candlelight and soothing music for even more relaxation.

Find your way. Through meditation, you’ll discover the power of your breath, which can calm and focus your mind. Find a teacher or pick up a book or CD to guide you.

Give these a try and you’ll soon discover the joy and value of solitude.