Solitude

Solitude does not necessarily mean being all alone although that is something to desire occasionally. Inner solitude means I am not caught in my past nor distracted by the future. I am also not caught by whomever may or may not be around me, either physically or in my mind. I can be in a physical place where there are no others around me and still have a crowd of voices in my mind, all of which want my attention. Solitude does not mean that I ignore those who are around me physically. I can be courteous and recognize their presence even in the grocery market. When we have parted, I can return to my solitude and, yes, my grocery list. Solitude means that I am not in a hurry; I relish the moment. Solitude means I am comfortable being with myself and being my friend.