"Solitude"

I live alone and life can get pretty lonely at times. I also, though, am very busy and constantly with people so I really should never feel very lonely. What I enjoy is solitude, some peaceful time alone so I can meditate and connect with God. I know solitude, being alone and loneliness are connected but to me there is a difference.

This past month, I managed to get out hiking a couple of times. The first one with a friend and a hiking group where we hiked 10 km’s along the Juan de Fuca trail ending at Botanical beach and the other hike with a new hiking group where we hiked up Robert’s roost, a little bump on the side of Mount Benson.  Mount Benson has been my dream to hike all year and someday soon I hope to reach its summit.

Mnt Benson - soon

On the first hike my friend and I hiked together among the group and chatted away. We both agreed that it was very different from when we hiked alone with just the two of us. We had no control over where we rested or where we stopped to take photos although I must admit, the leader was awesome and allowed us to travel at a comfortable pace and was patient as different folks stopped to take in the beautiful views.

Just one of the beautiful views

What we missed was the quiet of the forest and the time to spiritually connect with creation – the solitude that I find when out on the trails.

Some of the group heading up the trail

On the second hike there were around 20 of us as we headed out. Most had come in pairs and knew at least one person on the trail. I had arrived alone and for the first part hiked alone. It had me thinking about being alone, loneliness and solitude.  I felt very lonely even though I was in a huge group of people. Mostly I enjoy being out on the trails and welcome the feeling of solitude that it brings me and even though I’m alone I don’t feel lonely. 

A great message right before the view from Robert's roost

When hiking in a group there is so much chatter between friends that I miss the solitude one usually finds in the forests. I miss the peacefulness the sounds of nature bring to me. As I didn’t know anyone on the trail there was also a sense of loneliness to the evening and yet, I was not alone. As I walked along the trail I felt more alone than I do when I am actually alone at home. It really is all very strange and yet it happens often and I can understand it. I also struggled for the first time as I hiked towards the summit due to fatigue or dehydration but eventually, with the support of two other hikers who patiently waited for me, I did manage.  Thankfully, by the end of the evening I no longer felt alone as I had made connection with some others and was I glad I had joined in the hike.

The view of Nanaimo from Robert's Roost

This past weekend I was very grateful to two of my closest friends for taking me kayaking on the local lake. Out there on the water, with my friends close by, I was able to sit in the kayak and soak in the peacefulness of my surroundings.

The stillness of the morning water

The water was calm, the skies clear and there was stillness. I sat there breathing and being so thankful for the day. This was the solitude I crave. I did not feel alone or lonely even though they were a couple and I did not have a partner. I felt at peace. 

Companions sharing the peacefulness

We paddled down one coastline shore and crossed over paddling back down the other side. The mountains surrounding the lake were beautifully green and had me wondering about hiking them. It was a great day out on the water and paddling home through the waves in the afternoon wind had me laughing out loud with great joy.  I brought that peaceful feeling home with me and revisit it now as I sit here alone. It keeps the loneliness at bay and fills my heart with warmth.  

Fun in the waves!

We all need to find moments of time in solitude, whether we find it when we are alone, with a friend or maybe for some it is even possible in large groups. It is a restorative time and can bring calm to life’s busyness.  I am looking forward to a few days of hiking with a friend where I know I will not be alone, I know I will not feel lonely and I’m sure we will both share moments of "solitude" and connect with creation and breathe in the peacefulness of nature.




Beautiful clear water along the shoreline in "Solitude"