Originally Posted by
NOS88
I think one of the things missing in the life of many "modern day" folks is the opportunity for real solitude. For some the only solitude they know is driving to and from work with the radio on. I suspect the idea of spending time with just self and the thoughts that exist when there are no outside demands for our attention by others can seem foreign to some. Yet, on a daily basis we are bombarded by demands from others to pay attention to the things they direct us towards. Coming to truly know who and what you are is challenging when you constantly get messages directing your attention here, there, and everywhere, Having, in my view, the luxury to sort out one’s own mind is achieved more easily with solitude. It is one of the major reasons I ride and that the majority of my rides are alone.
Solitude as well as plain peace and quiet is necessary. Some years ago I sailed a boat from the Caribbean to New York City with my father and one other person. On the last day of the cruise, within several hours of the harbor but still out of sight of land, I became aware of a drone in the distance, almost below hearing threshold at first. After a while and still out of sight of land, it became evident we were hearing the city. After a bit of time, we were no longer able to hear the drone. We'd been absorbed into it. It seems to me we are constantly bombarded noise, flashing lights, loud colors and advertisements clamoring for our attention. It's enough to drive a person crazy. Oh, wait. Looking around, does anyone else see nutty people everywhere.
Some of us require a large dose of peace and quiet and take measures to achieve it including where we live, long backpacking into wilderness areas or sailing journeys across the ocean where the nearest person may be days or weeks away.