Humans are social beings and right from birth we are always in company of others. In childhood we spend time playing with brothers, sisters or friends. As we grow up and enter youth, we move out from family and spend more time with our friends. In course of time, we meet that someone special with whom we want to share our next phase of life. In due course, we might have our own family and then we start spend our time & energy in raising the family. In a matter of few years, life comes to a full circle. In all these years, we have spend time with so many people, however we have hardly spend time with our own self.
We are too busy interacting with others and projecting an image outside that we don't get time to see what is inside us. There could be hidden talents within us, which we have not explored due to societal pressure or lack of time. Some of us may like to sing, listen to music, dance or paint but we don't do it as someone else is around us or we are too busy taking care of others. Living in a society has its advantages, however sometimes being in the company of others prevents us from expressing our own self. The everyday expectations from family & relationships can be a big drain on the physical and mental health.
Great thoughts, new discoveries and innovative ideas have come out when people have gone in solitude and touched their inner core. Sages/philosophers across ages and continents have emphasized the importance of being alone and then doing contemplation. Reminds of the famous line from Pt. Bhimsen Joshi's bhajan, "chod kar duniya ke maje, baith ekaant mein, dhyaan kar Hari ke charan ka, phir janam nahi payega".Once in a while, we should just take a break from our regular life, our friends/family and go to some place where no one knows us and spend a few days there. We can just be, in our own company. It'll help to rediscover a newer aspect of ourselves and bring in fresh new ideas/thoughts to last till the next break. In many countries, after completing the basic education, children take a break. They go around visiting countries, learning new skills, doing odd jobs and trying to find out what to do in life. This can bring more clarity about what one really wants from the life or can even bring in much bigger question about what life is.
Staying alone for long time has its downside as well. Solitude can also bring out our worst fears and insecurities to the fore as well. This is another side of us which we have ignored but by being alone, they come out more strongly and if one is not prepared, then they can make one go crazy or start hallucinating. This is where a master or Guru is required, who can guide us through and show the right way. After the goal is achieved, its time to come back to the society and share the fruit with others. Rightly said by the protagonist in the movie Into the Wild "Happiness is only real once shared"
