Solitude Tips

In a world where staying connected can be a a 24/7 occupation, some Seattleites are examining the value of turning out. Here's some expert advice on how you can find quiet in the digital age with solitude maven Mara Adelman.

1. Start the conversation: Challenge the appeal of being busy. "Make silence, solitude, stillness part of your lifestyle. Integrate it in your life. Make space for being present," says Adelman, a Seattle University associate professor who teaches a course on the subject of solitude. Instead of clichés about how stressed and busy you are, Adelman suggests shifting the conversation to how you should make time rather than how you're losing time.

2. Read books that provide alternative perspectives including these:
Jackson, Maggie (2008) Distracted
Andrews, C. (2007) Slow Is Beautiful: New Visions of Community, Leisure And Joie De Vivre
Koch, P. (1994) Solitude : a philosophical encounter. Chicago, Ill.: Open Court

3) Remember that time is finite not INFINTE

4) Limit time/space for mediated engagement

5) Check out a retreat: there are some are three day, even three month retreats that can help you jumpstart your new lifestyle. Check retreatfinder.com for more.

6) Stolen moments:  Try to steal a few moments each day to “being present," Adelman says. Even at a stop light; instead of cursing it, take some deep breaths, cultivate being-in-the-moment.