The Creative Power Of Solitude

We fear loneliness.

Because of a need to fit in, a need for connection, or a need for presence.

We fear it and rightfully so, as it is at the very core of our nature.

Loneliness usually doesn’t come from solitude.

And more often than not, we confuse both.

I know I have.

However, I have spent a lot of time in solitude in the past months, leading me to see great benefits to it, especially when it comes to creativity and creative expression.

Solitude is a conscious choice and today, I’d like to open up a bit on how it can benefit you as well.

Solitude in Creativity and its Benefits

Solitude is not merely the absence of others; it's the presence of self.

It's a deliberate choice to be alone with your thoughts and creative process.

This state of being allows for deeper engagement with your work, free from the external pressures and influences that can smother originality.

Many renowned artists and writers have sought solitude to fuel their creative fires.

As an example, Vincent van Gogh (someone who I truly enjoy his creations) often retreated to the French countryside, where the quiet and isolation allowed him to produce some of his most famous works.

Here are three main benefits I have experienced myself from actively seeking moments of solitude:

1. Enhanced Focus

Without the distractions of everyday life, solitude allows for deep focus.

This uninterrupted time is crucial for diving into complex projects and developing intricate ideas.

When you are alone, you can immerse yourself fully in your work, entering a state of flow where creativity flourishes.

This is exactly what I am doing right now for the project I want to bring to life in Peru for example. Lots and lots of alone time to work on it.

2. Self-Reflection

Solitude provides a space for introspection, allowing you to explore your thoughts, emotions, and ideas without external influence.

This self-awareness is key to authentic artistic expression.

Through self-reflection, you can uncover your true inclinations and what truly matters to you, leading to more genuine and impactful work.

I know this one is particularly beneficial to me as I tend to let outside judgement guide me a lot in my actions, even if I don’t want it to.

3. Creative Problem-Solving

Alone time fosters an environment where you can think deeply and creatively solve problems.

Solve problems or experiment techniques you’re less familiar with.

It's in these quiet moments that innovative solutions and ideas often emerge.

When you are alone, you have the freedom to experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them without fear of judgment.

As an example, the following image included 3 techniques I had never used before that I wanted to test. It took several rounds of trial and error to get to something I liked aesthetically, but I felt comfortable taking all the time it required me to get there by isolating myself during that work.

Now, I know how difficult it can be to set some time aside for yourself because you don’t want to make the person/people you live with feel like you want to get away from them. So here are some of the things I have found to help me with that:

• Setting boundaries: Protect your creative time by setting clear boundaries. This might mean creating a dedicated workspace or scheduling regular periods where you are unavailable to others. Inform your friends and family about your need for solitude, so they understand and respect your time alone.

• Grounding activities: Mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, can enhance the quality of your solitary time, helping you to stay present and fully engaged with your creative process, as well as with the people you are with. These practices can also reduce stress and increase mental clarity, making it easier to tap into your creativity and do be communicative with your loved ones on your personal needs.

Be mindful of the pitfalls too.

While solitude is a chosen state that nurtures creativity, loneliness is an emotional response that can be managed by staying connected with loved ones and balancing alone time with social interactions.

And although I am not the best at applying this recommendation, I still see it benefitting me when I do.

So make sure to schedule regular catch-ups with friends or family to ensure you maintain a healthy balance here.

Getting More Comfortable With Solitude

Not all solitude involves sitting quietly.

You can do it actively or passively.

Active solitude can include activities that for me would be like hiking, training, or editing.

These activities allow your mind to wander and explore new ideas while your body is engaged in a task.

Passive solitude might involve more contemplative activities like reading, meditating, or simply sitting and observing your surroundings.

This type of solitude can be incredibly refreshing and restorative, even if you feel like doing nothing.

Most of us have a hard time doing nothing, with an urge to find something to resolve or to be productive on something.

But I have found this practice to be a great way to realise the inner turmoil I am not comfortable sitting with.

Learn to embrace the silence and stillness that comes with solitude.

It can be uncomfortable at first, but over time, you’ll find it to be a rich source of inspiration and clarity.

This is also a great way to cultivate patience and persistence.

Creative breakthroughs often come after periods of frustration and waiting and so, trust that the time you spend alone will yield results, even if they aren’t immediate.

Conclusion

Spending time alone can be a powerful tool for enhancing creativity.

By embracing solitude, we can focus deeply, reflect on our inner world, and solve creative challenges with a clarity you didn’t know you had.

Solitude also allows us to connect with our true selves and produce work that is authentic and impactful.

Work that means something to you and that is not produced for others’ validation.

I challenge you to carve out some time for yourself in the upcoming days.

Spend an hour in solitude, away from distractions, and see how it impacts your creativity, or any part of your daily life.

In the meantime, I will be working for the next days on a new artwork that embodies this process of putting myself in solitude and share it with you when it’s ready.

If you made it that far, thank you for your time.

See you in the next one,

Angel