Solitude by Lewis

Solitude is not a condition of being but a state-of-mind. Sometimes, all that is needed to achieve solitude is to close my eyes and turn my focus inward, much like meditation. It can be done in elevators, doctors' offices, and even in the waiting room of the Bureau of Licensing office for the Secretary of State. About the only time I don't engage in the practice is when driving. (Solitude and traffic do not mix well, whether you are driving, biking, or walking.)


There is a womb inside of me where my feelings go to grow. Feelings need nurturing, much as a baby does. When ignored--that is, not cuddled, stroked, doted upon--they fail to thrive and even fester. When listened to, coddled and swaddled, they can provide a ray of light to penetrate the forest of everyday existence. When deprived of such nurturance, they cause me to lose focus, feel disconnected with what really matters, and can even lead to self-abuse.


There is no external salve for the soul that can substitute for solitude--not alcohol, nor drugs, nor hyper-activity. Jesus said, "When you pray, do not stand on a street corner and make loud noises; instead, go into a closet and do it quietly." It is when I am alone with my thoughts and feelings that I feel closest to the divine.

September 23, 2013

About the Author

I came to the beautiful state of Colorado out of my native Kansas by way of Michigan, the state where I married and two children while working as an engineer for the Ford Motor Company. I was married to a wonderful woman for 26 happy years and suddenly realized that life was passing me by. I figured that I should make a change, as our offspring were basically on their own and I wasn't getting any younger. Luckily, a very attractive and personable man just happened to be crossing my path at that time, so the change-over was both fortuitous and smooth. Soon after, I retired and we moved to Denver, my husband's home town. He passed away after 13 blissful years together in October of 2012. I am left to find a new path to fulfillment. One possibility is through writing. Thank goodness, the SAGE Creative Writing Group was there to light the way.