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Photo Challenge

Solitude

This week, show us what being alone means to you.

Editors’ Note: Starting February 8, we’ll publish Weekly Photo Challenges on Wednesdays, instead of Fridays as we currently do.

“Solitude is the place of purification.” — Martin Buber

Many people equate solitude with loneliness, but I find it comforting and restorative. Because of social media’s ubiquity, we are constantly connected to others. Even when we are physically alone, we are very rarely truly solitary. Unplugging is good, and introspection is important, but most of us don’t get enough opportunity to do either.

Little girl, big ocean. Photo by Jen Hooks.

Little girl, big ocean. Photo by Jen Hooks.

“We live in a very tense society. We are pulled apart, and we all need to learn how to pull ourselves together. I think that at least part of the answer lies in solitude.” — Helen Hayes

My husband and I are both “social introverts”, and we are raising our children to prize solitude. My eldest (pictured above) and middle daughters enjoy their personal time very much, and I’m hopeful that security in solitude will help them cope with life’s inevitable, occasional loneliness. Even our youngest, at three, is comfortable with being alone. For our family, we find that just the right amount of solitude makes together time that much sweeter.

This week, show us what being alone means to you. If you’re finding yourself surrounded by too many people, or too many sensations, or too many obligations, take a quiet moment for yourself. Seek solitude, and reset. Or, perhaps you find yourself isolated too often, and solitude evokes negative emotions that photography can help you work through.

I look forward to seeing your interpretations of this challenge!

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  6. interesting.. the time you spent with yourself doean’t have to be like meditation or mantra at all.. sometimes you can touch your deeper self by doing what feels right in your heart.. you might feel the river moving in you.. hmm

    let’s see.. what can I come up with this week ?:)

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  10. This is so true. I am thinking alike and just started a #wandernista on IG to share the moments you spend with yourself. Just by yourself. It is so important, but I leef like it is not been talked about enough. Also because people connect it with loneliness. My favorite days are the ones I am alone with me. Even though I am extremely social person! Nice read xoxo

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  15. Hello! 😀
    As a writer, I believe every other writer has a need for solitude to sort the messy out in one’s mind. And so, I guess, everybody here could relate to this piece of mine I wrote recently called, “A Writer’s Broken Record”. It shows the thoughts one(mainly a writer) gets when they sit in isolation.

    http://wp.me/p7Klwb-95

    I hope you like it. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  17. Hi, again. XD
    This may seem a bit forced, but awhile ago I wrote this piece called, “In Isolation” and that’s why this topic felt so familiar to me. (took me a few seconds to remember, though. :P)

    http://wp.me/p7Klwb-4W

    Feels a bit rude to push two of my posts here, but I hope you won’t mind. 🙂

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  21. Recently, I have been worried about how comfortable I get when I am alone. My friends in school are worried an others label me a wimp. But I know what I stand to achieve and the feeling I gain when alone. This topic is one I will share with them when I finally finish it

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

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