SAVORING SOLITUDE

"Solitude is the strength of being alone. It's where we become our best company." Jay Shetty

I am stunned whenever I hear someone say, “I’m bored.” I don’t understand “bored.” Truly.

It seems that lately I’ve overheard this complaint more frequently than usual. One of the perks of being a highly skilled eavesdropper.

I heard a woman say it at Starbucks as she sat there with a companion, a latte, an iPhone, and a laptop, sounding pouty behind her dark glasses. I heard a teenage girl say it in a bookstore - a bookstore! - seemingly on the verge of tears as her mother was engrossed at the best seller racks. I heard an acquaintance say it as he was sitting in my office talking to me. Maybe I should be insulted by that last one, but in truth, I believe “boredom” is an “inside job," not an effect of outside forces, so I’m letting myself off that hook.

Anyway, it got me to thinking about what a waste of time it is to be bored when solutions to that condition abound. And so, today’s poem is a bit about that.

SAVORING SOLITUDE

Hey you!
Yes, you -
sitting there all sad-faced
and mopey
engulfed by solitude and
self-pity.
How can you feel so bad
wallowing in boredom
when you are surrounded
by your own magnificent company -
the unique magic of your imagination -
and an entire world to explore
simply by looking out the window
walking out the door
getting off your ass
getting out of your head, and
doing something.

Savor solitude -
those delicious moments
of silence that offer the singular
opportunity
to do whatever - read, write, daydream
to experiment without fear of criticism:
C’mon, can you still cartwheel across the lawn?
How about playing air guitar unrestrained in front of your bedroom mirror?
Dare you grab that hairbrush and belt-out R-E-S-P-E-C-T at the top of your lungs?

This is the time,
your time
to explore the ephemera in nature
to wonder at clouds that can imitate animals
to be dazzled by grasses dappled with dandelions
to delight at rain droplets dancing on a leaf.

Shake yourself out of your sad-sack and wake up!
See the simple things too easily ignored
when you’re surrounded by the masses
with their needs and noise
and nonsense.