Loneliness is defined as a subjective, unpleasant feeling of isolation or lack of connection with others. Solitude is the quality or state of being alone or far-off from society: seclusion; an uninhabited place. Solitude is different from loneliness, in that when we speak of loneliness it has this negative undertone, like loneliness is not chosen. But, solitude has a neutral to positive tone, like to choose solitude or seclusion or to choose to be alone versus loneliness often implies that lack of choice. We all need solitude but we do not all NEED loneliness; there’s a difference. Solitude can be a great way to stimulate creativity!
Robert Coplan is a psychologist who studies the cost and benefits of solitude across the lifespan. Coplan cites the shower effect in an example of this, “If you do your best thinking in the shower, you are not alone”. The most common locations where people have sudden insights (“aha!” moments) include in the shower, during transport, and while exercising. Though these activities are not always solitary; these activities typically offer a break from our usual constant stream of information we have when engaging with others, especially socially. In solitude our mind has the space to wander, to think freely. Free thinking stimulates different parts of our brains than what we do normally. This gives backing to the suggestion of taking a break and then coming back to something later when you’re stuck. Give yourself some free-thinking space to let your mind wander and reset. Productivity is not always king, sometimes that rest, even mental rest is what is needed.
Arielle Teets
Rainbow sidewalks might seem arbitrary; it is just a chunk of concrete. It doesn’t do anything for the LGBTQ+ community in Florida. But, why do rainbow crosswalks matter? If you are curious keep reading.
Frederic Gros is a french philosopher who edited Michel Focault’s paper’s (another french philosopher, political activist, and historian); wrote the Philosophy of Walking in 2014 which is a great book on mindfulness, being present, and (of course) walking. A Philosophy of Shame was published in May of this year. He poses a different narrative to shame than the one I feel we currently cling to in psychology.
Gen X and Millennials are projected to become the richest generation in history. There are a lot of ways to seize power for the people through financial means also known as financial activism. Not everyone can hold a sign and join a protest on the street, whether it be for physical or logistical challenges. Financial activism uses economic tactics, big and small, to help make change. It's about everyday people and everyday actions adding up to create a world that we want to live in. Money holds power. Everyone holds power. Understanding how you hold influence and power is necessary for continued development. Financial activism is also not an invitation to be a perfectionist. Each of the different tools listed can increase your positive impact or decrease your negative impact and some tools will be more accessible than others and that's okay. We all start somewhere, and we all do what we can.
Reading self-help books are one way to help increase self-awareness and insight. If you are a reader, this blog is for you, and if not; that’s okay! These are all topics that can be learned and explored through therapy.
No one can tell the future, so we all are forced to sit with uncertainty about what will happen. Anxiety is inherently placed in the future, or the past, because anxiety is rooted in things we cannot control. How we think about the future can cause us to feel, anxious or stressed, or calm and controlled. The only place you have control is the present moment. So, what is there to do RIGHT NOW about anxiety about the future?
