The Intimate Dance between Solitude & Connection
A poetic reflection to ease our digital minds and lure us back to the heart of what matters…
Solitude…
Today I was reminded by Cal Newport (who’s reflections on Deep Work I appreciate) talking to Ezra Klein on his podcast about what solitude really is…
And this reflection led me down a rabbit hole to reflect on how solitude is so intimately entwined with connection…
First on solitude…
It is not reading a book. It is not watching something alone. It is not taking in another’s world, but instead…
Solitude is spending time with one’s own self… my thoughts and experiences…
Solitude can be sitting in a crowded subway — without headphones or a screen — just breathing and noticing one’s self.
The more I spend time with myself.
The more space I make within to hear myself.
The more I notice and honour whatever is within me.
The more present I am when you arrive.
The more I can drink you in.
The more you feel seen and heard.
The more we can melt, both relaxing effortlessly and letting our guards down, like it was meant to be.
The more we feel connected.
The more we feel connected…
The more I look in your eyes… peaking into the universe there…
The more I feel myself.
The more I notice what is within this sea inside…
Intimacy.
Into. Me. See…
Here’s to the dance of solitude and connection.
Not remembering which came first to open the door to the other.
Here’s to the dance of connection and solitude.
Interwoven.
Interdependent.
Intimate.
Each one essential to the other.
Loving each other through time…
An endless spiraling dance…
Related reads from David…
MEN and RELATIONSHIPS →
MASTERING CONFLICT (3 part series) →
- The 3 SHAPES of CONFLICT: how do you fight with your partner?
- The 5 Elements of Masting Conflict
- WHERE can we learn to do conflicts better?
