Some of the most important times in your life are the ones you spend alone.
Perhaps we don't understand it ourselves. We don't quite see the point. Or, however much we enjoy it, we don't treat it as much of a priority.
People probably thought Marcus Aurelius was strange: the time he spent alone in his room, the long walks he took by himself. We know they thought it odd that he was seen reading and writing at the Colosseum, ignoring the carnage of the games below.
Parents will make time for so many things, but quiet time by and for themselves is written off as an impossible indulgence. In fact, these are among the most important times in a person's life.
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Certain springs are tapped only when we are alone. The artist knows she must be alone to create; the writer, to work out their thoughts; the musician, to compose; the saint, to pray.
ANNE MORROW LINDBERGH
Marcus Aurelius took the time to retreat into his own soul, as he said, and to rejoice in perfect stillness. He needed to step away. He needed to reflect and evaluate, to prepare and anticipate. He was an extremely busy man with endless demands on his time. But he insisted on stillness, because he knew his health, his happiness and his leadership depended on it.
The same is true for you.
TRY THIS TODAY
Put 20 minutes alone in your diary this week. No phone, no podcast, no company. Walk, sit or write, and see what comes up.
Much of what I've learned about Stoicism comes from Ryan Holiday. Find more of his writing at dailystoic.com and ryanholiday.net.
While I have edited much of this content, there are some cases where I have taken Ryan Holiday's words directly. I've included them because I think they are powerful and will be helpful for you. They are also helpful for me, and I've put them here so I can learn and understand more myself.
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