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I got more than I wanted alone time this past weekend. I spent some time with my girlfriend, her friends and family, my family, and tons of time with myself. I was able to finish up a book that came along better than it started and cleaned up my apartment. I was also able to talk to my neighbor to address the noise I was hearing and at times feeling (damn sub-woofer). I talked to my older brother about what he has been up to and spent some good alone time with my dad at their house and later in the day at my place. I saw my uncle and my aunt to give him some money for my paintings he is going to do for me and to simply get his long-winded conversations in person. The weekend was a good one and I learned so much about myself: How I am still working on being patient with myself and other people. I also, got to understand the female way-of-thinking and where I stand in the whole dynamic of a relationship. But more than anything I spent some good time by myself.
I haven’t spent this much time by myself for a long time. I can’t really pinpoint when, but this weekend I was able to see old family friends I haven’t seen in some time. I was able to drive around. Yep, drive around. As crazy as that sounds, whenever I was in college and also my first couple of years out of college I used to drive around. Sometimes I needed to clear my head, other times I would just do it because I didn’t feel like watching television or play video games. I also used to race my car around a track (more like a parking lot) a couple of times per month. I had so much fun because I wasn’t in my head, I was concentrating on the next turn, when to brake, or accelerate. I couldn’t get enough of it and would also perform my craziness on the streets (I know it wasn’t the sanest thing to do, but still fun). I still have a heavy foot and at times get bitched at by my girlfriend and other friends and family members (although my nephew loves it). But, as I was driving and enjoying myself I was concentrated on the drive and the people around me. I was listening to some easy playing traffic or driving music, Californication, and really just enjoyed myself.
I thought to myself, after every time I got out of the car, why haven’t I done this in such a long time? Why did I let this passion, hobby, or excitement die? It has always been in my heart and I think about it constantly and whenever I get a chance to get on the gas and not worry about the gas mileage I’m wasting, it is a feeling that is up there with me playing basketball (especially when I’m on fire, which I haven’t done in some time also), and having some great sex with my girlfriend. One thing I have been doing lately is staying out of my mind and living in the moment and these 3 experience I have listed are me living 100 % in the moment and not worrying about yesterday and the coming week.
So what I learned this week was to, of course, live in the moment, but also rekindle an old hobby or visit an old friend that brought joy to me many times in the past. Take these lessons I learned and see how your week comes out.
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Comments
04.02.09
You're so right. We need to stop and smell the roses, as they say. It's hard to find the time though.
04.02.09
It sounds like you spent a lot of time with other people, which suggests to me that you and I have different definitions of "alone time"!
I do think that time out of your routine is important, whether you spend that time alone or with others. In addition to "alone time," though, I think there's a need for "quiet time." Mr. Nonymous and I went snowshoeing and cross-country skiing this past weekend, and I was amazed at how many people were out on the trails with earbuds. Does nature now require a soundtrack? Is the scenery insufficient without musical accompaniment? Do those people even know that the woodpeckers were out, and what they sounded like?
Technology can bring us together, but it can also cut us off from our senses and surroundings. There's a whole world out there!
04.02.09
I think alone time is important, but more than that we have to be really "alone" by separating ourselves from technology and social media, which is so pervasive. You can get really stuck in it and it's difficult to be connected ALL the time. For me, spending time away from the computer - with loved ones, with a book, outside in the nature - are all important ways of having alone time.
04.02.09
-Olivia Cooper
It is hard sometimes to find the time to spend by yourself. Sometimes we just have to force ourselves.
-KateNonymous
I did spend some time with people I haven't hung out in a while, but a couple of days where I had time to think and be by myself. The time that I had by myself is the longest in sometime.
Over a month ago I did a no internet experiment. I did things I put aside and really enjoyed myself. I do think we can get too involved with technology and not focus on the simple things in life and in the world. Some of my best times have been walking in the park, riding my bike, and playing a sport.
-Akhila Kolisetty
I agree with you there. This past tuesday I got tired of being in the house and the sun was still out, so I grabbed my bike and went riding for half an hour or so. It felt so damn good. I can't wait to experience this again later in the week. Staying away from the internet for 2 weeks wasn't that difficult, I am going to try to stay away from my computer (I guess I will pick up paper to write).
04.02.09
It's definitely great to get out there and just drive! Don't be hard on us sub-woofer folks though! We mean well...just get carried away when our songs are on!
04.03.09
James,
I understand the music situation. I bang my speakers in the car all the time. He has gotten better the past couple of days.
What kind of things do you do to get in touch with yourself while being alone?
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