Monday, January 24, 2011

I like this picture because to me it speaks of solitude and introspection.I have been thinking a lot about solitude lately . It seems to me that we as a society could benefit from it a lot.

I like the wonders of modern technology a lot. I enjoy my cell phone, laptop and digital camera but I also know when to turn them off. I have noticed in my work as a nurse and in my daily life that people can be so rude with their cell phone use. I noticed just today a visitor at the hospital walking by the desk and back and you didn't see this person the whole entire day when she wasn't on the phone and talking loud enough for everyone to hear.I also observed another example at a restaurant where an elderly man was trying to talk to his adult daughter and she wouldn't stop surfing the net on her phone long enough to talk to him and when he did get through to her she would snap at him.I thought to myself what I wouldn't give to be able to talk to my parents again.


I find that when I go out and walk my dogs that I do my best thinking. It is quiet and I have only my thoughts to keep me company . I feel that if sometime you don't allow your mind to be quiet and rest it causes even more stress . I found it kind of sad that during the recent snowstorms that I heard several people on TV say that they enjoyed not having electricity because it forced them to spend time with their families doing activities such as playing outside or playing a board game. Wouldn't we all be a little better off if we spent more time with those we love and less time with gadgets and gizmo's?
What are your thoughts on this?

“Solitude is such a potential thing. We hear voices in solitude, we never hear in the hurry and turmoil of life; we receive counsels and comforts, we get under no other condition . . .”-Amelia Barr

16 comments:

Jayne said...

I tease my hubby all the time that his new mistress is his iPad, but it does bother me. Now, when we sit down to watch something on TV together, his attention is very spotty and I feel as if I am all alone. It bugs the bejebbers out of me too to see someone at the grocery store, trying to check out while having a LOUD conversation on their cell phone. Please people. Put the phone down and INTERACT with the person in front of you! It's just so very rude.

Catherine said...

This is a very pretty picture. And being alone with your thoughts in quietness is always good for the soul. :)

Happy Tuesday Yolanda!
xo Catherine

Tracy said...

LOVE the introspection this photo conjures up, Yolanda! I try to strike a good balance between quiet moments and deep connection with what I’m doing and the occasional entertainment or have to long attachment to gadgets 6 gizmos. I do use my laptop a lot, but try to be easy on online time. I don’t buy into the needing to be stimulated or entertained all the time. I thrive on a good amount of quiet, and especially while working. My husband & I are both this way, so we respect each other’s need for time & space. We try to take this out into the world. We're not glued to our cell phones, etc. I think cell phone use is eroding manners in people and it just grows worse. I wouldn't mind getting rid of the TV. But huddy's not 100% on that one, yet. ;o) I think digital downtime and breaks from technology are good things--for body & soul. Great, timely topic, Yoland! Happy Week ((HUGS))

Adrienne said...

Wonderful photo. Could also 'speak' of the light at the end of the tunnel!
~Adrienne~

Desiree said...

We live in a very noisy world. Whether we want it or not, we're continually assailed by noise, so spending some quiet time each day is, I think, an absolute necessity/prerequisite for remaining sane and in touch with who we are.

Char said...

i do love solitude and that photograph calls to me. especially today.

Holli said...

I very much agree with you about this..... 100%

Connie said...

wanted to drop in and say hi! cell phones drive me crazy in public places...they have their uses however it makes me really uncomfortable to "hear" other people's conversations.

Anonymous said...

I agree with you completely. Knowing when to turn off is very important. Quiet time alone is a necessity for me, and it sounds like it is for you, too.

Farm Girl said...

Well, I agree, solitude is something that if I don't have a bit of it each day, I feel myself unraveling.I don't mean like going and staring at the waves in the ocean because that would be nice, but just folding clothes or mopping or even cleaning the bathrooms. I always think that I hear God the clearest when I am doing something for someone else.
But I do need that time to be alone with my thoughts.
Just like when I walk my dog or when I sit and stare at my chickens.
All of it goes into making my mind healthy.
I rarely turn on the TV and for the most part in the evenings my husband plays his guitar and I sew.
Does that answer the question? :)
When I see someone in public or with friends talking and talking I always want to ask, Are you really that important?

Carolynn Anctil said...

I absolutely require solitude and quiet from time to time, like air. It's essential to my well-being.

Love the photo, too!

Sue said...

I like both. I love technology and I'd hate to live without it, but sometimes I just have to have quiet time. I turn off everything and read a book, take a nap or just sit with the dog. Balance is really the key.

Tea said...

I love solitude and quiet time to think. It's something that's been on my mind a lot lately..a whole line of thoughts related to simplicity and contentment. We don't have a lot of gadgets. Our cell phone is just for emergency type situations and we hardly use it. Blogging is about the only thing I do that really can take up some of my time. I limit it almost completely to naptime and bedtime, and I've been trying to evaluate that some, but I do enjoy the time I have to do it. Writing my blog has been helpful for me, processing my thoughts, etc. But I'm with you, I think society as a whole could use a good dose of solitude and real thinking.

Dawning Inspiration said...

Yes! Sometimes people use and abuse their attached technology - drives me nuts too.... I think it gets rude - especially if they are using it while sitting and visiting with you!

Elena said...

I would have to agree on that!

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

Dear Yolanda, it's good to see you again...where have I been? Somehow I've missed stopping in here for quite a while.

For me, solitude is essential for spiritual well-being...and much that I have read has said the same. I must have solitude in my day; in fact I treasure it!