“There is no doubt that solitude is a challenge and to maintain balance within it a precarious business. But I must not forget that, for me, being with people or even with one beloved person for any length of time without solitude is even worse. I lose my center. I feel dispersed, scattered, in pieces. I must have time alone in which to mull over my encounter, and to extract its juice, its essence, to understand what has really happened to me as a consequence of it.”
~ May Sarton, Journal of a Solitude
Cranky Linda showed up yesterday. First one thing, then another, grated like a bit of sand in my shoe until the many little things became one big thing and that was that.
Cue the need for a strong dose of solitude and silence to allow me to regain my equilibrium.
I must have read that book – May Sarton is a favorite. This quote resonates with me as I sit in solitude at my writing chair after my trips each month to minister to Aunt Ruthie, now in steep decline, and continue to clear out her house.
Thank you for providing a contemplative moment just now.
A very nice post. A pleasant good evening to you.
I hope that today has been a better day for you.
Thank you Beth. It was.
“…mull over my encounter and extract its juice.” Geez, do I love that! That’s how I feel so often after a good gab fest with a treasured friend, family member, or grandson.
Good words, indeed!