Does Solitude Lead to Compassion for Others?

Who can sit alone for an hour with no music, visual entertainment, or any other sensory detractions? Just you and your thoughts…
Could you last 30 Minutes, 10 minutes?

Its the quiet of this setting where we’re confronted with our deepest thoughts, our shortcomings, our faults, and our inner cacophony of attention-seeking ideas and decisions. Its the battle ground where we we can practice our self-control and mastery over the many noises that go on inside us, and thus arise more at peace and centered.

This practice is anything but selfish – it allows us to fuel our spirit towards a greater understanding and reverence for the human interior struggle that happens everyday. When we are more aware of it and not numbing or neglecting it with quick superficial distractions, we’re able to use it for an opportunity to organize our inner ether, and better align our perspectives with the things that truly matter in this life.

All of this gives rise to true compassion for our fellow man, simply because we have battled our own dark and damaging selves, knowing how imperfect we are. To have true compassion for others and get on their level, we must strive to get on our own inner level and confront our inner illnesses and chaotic thoughts. Growing compassion for others begins with disciplined inner reflection in solitude. Only then can we immerse ourselves in others situations that require pure empathetic actions of love stemming from our own conscious battles.

Commit to spending more time away from the world – just you, your thoughts and God. Although its never comfortable, the best things in life that mold us into better people are rarely comfortable. Have faith and check your Peace and temperament after this practice. You’ll see that its worth it in the end.

Peace and Health.