Imagine this: you’re craving just 30 minutes of solitude. A quiet moment to think, breathe, maybe even hear yourself think…or stop hearing yourself think.
If you’ve ever had a toddler—or a puppy—you know this struggle. You lock yourself in the bathroom, only to see tiny fingers wiggling under the door or hear the unmistakable scratching of paws outside. Or maybe it’s that career moment where someone needs you on an urgent call that is seldom necessary. Wanting to work in solitude is often seen as a threat to “teamwork.”
The world constantly demands our attention, and if we’re honest, we sometimes lose our way. We start to forget where we were going and, more importantly, why we were going there in the first place.
Heraclitus on the Scene
This is where Heraclitus, the original “lone philosopher,” comes in. Solitude wasn’t just a preference for him; it was essential. He saw it as the key to finding clarity, creativity, and purpose, away from the noise of daily life. I have also found this to be true. It was one of my main draws to reading Heraclitus. Let’s take a cue from his wisdom and explore how solitude can be more than just an escape—it can be our compass.
Lesson 1: Self-Knowledge Through Solitude
Heraclitus famously said, “You cannot step into the same river twice.” Today, think of it as a reminder that every time we step away from the world, even for a few minutes, we return with a slightly different perspective.
Solitude helps us remember who we are, separate from our roles, relationships, or responsibilities. It’s the chance to ask ourselves, “What matters most to me?” without everyone else’s input and no one else’s influence.
Try this: Take 5 minutes at the start or end of each day to reflect on one new thought, question, or insight that popped up when you were alone. Let it sit with you and see what unfolds.
Lesson 2: Finding Your Own Flow – Modern Heraclitus Moments
While Heraclitus had his rivers and remote retreats, we can carve out our own “Heraclitus moments” in the middle of our daily lives. Here are five easy ideas for finding your flow in a fast-paced world:
- Digital Detox Day: Turn off all notifications for a day—yes, even emails. Allow yourself the freedom of no interruptions, even just for a few hours.
Try this: Commit to a “no notification” morning or afternoon once a week and notice how your focus improves. - Solo Coffee Date: Head to a café alone with nothing but a notebook or an open mind. Give yourself permission to enjoy your own company without distractions.
Try this: Take yourself out for coffee or tea once a week—leave your phone at home or on airplane mode. - Nature Walk with No Tech: Get outside without your gadgets. Nature has a way of reminding us to slow down and pay attention to the present.
Try this: Schedule a weekly walk with no devices. See if you notice things you’d usually miss. - Weekend Away by Yourself: Book a weekend getaway solo. Take a journal or a book, and let the quiet be your company.
Try this: Block off one weekend per quarter just for you. Call it your “solitude weekend”—no agenda, just rest and recharge. - Morning Reflection Routine: Wake up 15 minutes earlier than usual. Before you check your phone, sit with your thoughts and write down whatever comes to mind.
Try this: Start your day with a few minutes of quiet—no screens, just you. Let your thoughts wander.
Lesson 3: Solitude as Rebellion
In a world where people want your attention right now, choosing solitude can feel downright rebellious. Taking time just for yourself requires saying no—to friends, to family, even to the endless “urgent” requests piling up at work. To carve out moments of solitude is to prioritize yourself unapologetically.
Think of the classic “free weekend” dilemma. You’ve finally got one weekend to yourself, and there are a million ways you could spend it: the long-awaited girls’ weekend, a cozy getaway with your partner, or tackling that home project list. The rebellious choice? You decide to take the weekend alone. This time is yours. For Heraclitus, solitude was about honoring his own needs, a reminder that we have the right to prioritize ourselves.
Try this: Plan a “no agenda” day for yourself once a month. Don’t apologize, don’t explain. Just give yourself permission to recharge on your own terms.
Lesson 4: A Solitude Challenge
Imagine setting aside just a few minutes each day for solitude. No screens, no interruptions, just a pocket of quiet time. Consider this your mini solitude challenge—a little taste of what it’s like to reconnect with yourself. This practice could be the perfect foundation for something I’m working on—a guide to creating your own self-retreat. (Stay tuned for more on that!)
Challenge: For one week, dedicate 10–15 minutes daily to uninterrupted alone time. Whether it’s first thing in the morning or right before bed, let this become your “Heraclitus moment.” After the week, reflect on what insights, feelings, or shifts you noticed. You may even be inspired to make it a regular habit.
Closing Thought: Find Your Solitude Sweet Spot
Heraclitus reminds us that solitude isn’t something to fear; it’s something to welcome. Solitude is where we tune out the noise, let go of all the “stuff” that fills our day, and simply sit with our thoughts. So take a page from the ancients and give yourself a break from the endless pings, conversations, and obligations. Whether it’s a quiet closet, your morning shower, or those precious few minutes in the car on your commute—hold that time sacred. Guard it fiercely. This isn’t just a luxury; it’s a compass. Because in the end, solitude is where we remember who we are and where we’re truly headed.