There are two types of people – social butterflies or recluses. There are many times in my life when I look at life and think how simple it would be as a recluse, to live in social solitude.
Do you seek a solitary lifestyle to satisfy your need for undistracted intellectual curiosity and creativity? Are you socially anxious or sensitive, so relying on your inner thoughts is more comfortable than engaging with others? Are you an individualist and prefer to think independently? These are just some potential explanations for why highly intelligent people may choose to be alone. Everyone has unique needs, but whatever the case, it’s important to recognize that solitude can provide tremendous growth and insight for those who embrace it.
A social butterfly is great for you if you want to make as many friends as you can.
Living outside of the world’s problems tends to slow everything down. It allows a person to live completely in the present, with time to see a caterpillar become a butterfly and the leaves to change colors in autumn. These are the pleasures of life – so blissful.
All too often a social gathering includes having your ear bent by someone who is going through a bad time. I understand that everyone has struggles and because I am compassionate I listen attentively. I do love my friends.
Modern day hermit:
- letting your leg and armpit hair grow free
- clothes are optional
- baths are infrequent
- go where you want
- do as you please
- eat when hungry
- sleep when tired
- escape that busyness and chaos
- no politics
A true hermit:
- abandons the world
- squats in a hermitage (or cave)
- goes back to nature
- lives free from materialism
- lives from the land
For hundreds of years young men and women have withdrawn from society to live as hermits. Spiritual hermits live secluded lives dedicated to introspection – in contemplative silence. Modern day hermits work from home, order food from the market, do as they please and when they please.
“Linda has published fifteen books. She blogs about the publishing world, posts useful tips on the challenges a writer faces, including marketing and promoting your work, how to build your online platform, how to get reviews and how to self-publish.”