Conscious solitude is not despair; it is the mother of creativity.
- This solitude not only grants us creative power but also illuminates our decisions with the wisdom of Sufi philosophy.
By Abdullah Usman Morai | Sweden
In our modern society, “solitude” (Loneliness) is generally seen as a negative concept, associated with despair, sadness, and social deprivation. The reason is that we often consider being surrounded by people as a sign of success and peace. But in reality, solitude has two dimensions: one is enforced or painful loneliness, which breaks a person from within; the other is conscious solitude (Solitude), which builds a person from within and gives creative energy. This essay emphasizes the art of conscious solitude and connects its mental and creative significance with the Sufi thought of Sindh.
The Difference between Loneliness and Conscious Solitude
First, it is important to understand the fundamental difference. Loneliness is felt when one needs others but they are absent, is a sense of lack that creates psychological suffering.
In contrast, conscious solitude is a choice born of one’s own freedom and will. In this state, a person willingly distances themselves from external noise, pressure, and gatherings, and enters into their inner world. It is a place where no decision is influenced by external forces. This solitude generates inner strength and mental peace.
A Source of Mental Calm and Relaxation
The modern age is an age of “constant noise.” Mobile phones, social media notifications, work pressure, and the sounds of traffic continuously engage our minds, leaving us with little time to reflect on ourselves. Conscious solitude interrupts this noise and chaos.
Psychologically, when we are alone, our nervous system rests. Our mind, freed from external stimulation, enters the “default mode network.” This state reduces stress, helps us understand past experiences, and paves the way for future planning. It is a time when we can grasp our true feelings and needs, and learn what we genuinely want from life. This is the most essential stage of self-awareness and recognizing oneself.
The Deep Connection between Solitude and Creative Thinking
Creativity is not just the domain of painters and poets; it is a universal human capacity to solve problems, and solitude is a necessary condition for it.
The world’s greatest artists, writers, scientists, and philosophers have produced their masterpieces in solitude because creative thinking requires deep focus. Noise, interruptions, and distractions break that focus. In solitude, we can devote time to a single idea until it fully unfolds. Moreover, solitude allows the mind to connect diverse pieces of knowledge and thoughts, and from these associations, new and unseen ideas emerge.
Interestingly, every person carries an “inner voice” that expresses their true creative power. Only in solitude can we hear that voice clearly, free from social pressures and others’ opinions. That very voice inspires a painter to discover new colors and a writer to craft new stories.
Sindh’s Sufi Thought and the Tradition of Seclusion
To fully understand conscious solitude, we must turn to the great Sufi wisdom of Sindh. Sindhi Sufis called this solitude “Khalwat” (seclusion) or “Chilla” (retreat). For them, it was not only a way to calm the mind but also the foundation of spiritual growth.
For example, Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai and other Sufi thinkers teach us that to truly meet God and one’s own true self, it is necessary to break ties with the outer world for a certain period.
The purpose of seclusion is for the seeker to confront their inner darkness, tame the ego, and discover their true essence. This solitude liberates them from all worldly bonds, connecting them only with the Creator, resulting in peace, love, and wisdom.
Not only that, but the Sufi’s solitude was not merely a personal practice; it was also a social responsibility. When the Sufi returned from retreat, he was filled with greater mental strength, moral depth, and profound human compassion.
How to Make Solitude Part of Daily Life
Practicing the art of conscious solitude does not require one to retreat to a shrine or undergo a forty-day seclusion. Instead, we can experience it in small parts of our daily lives. For instance:
- Spending fifteen minutes every morning or evening away from the phone, sitting quietly, reflecting on inner thoughts, voices, and feelings.
- Engaging in small tasks without music or social media, allowing the mind to breathe.
- Practicing “digital fasting” once a week by reducing or stopping internet use altogether.
This art helps restore balance in life. We can only be better companions, better leaders, or better creators when we maintain a deep connection with our inner world.
Conclusion
Ultimately, conscious solitude is not despair; it is the mother of creativity. It is a psychological technique that teaches us our deepest and truest friendship must be with our own self. Until we silence the inner noise and listen to our inner voice, we will remain trapped in running after the demands of the external world.
This solitude not only grants us creative power but also illuminates our decisions with the wisdom of Sufi philosophy. For this reason, learning and practicing the art of solitude is one of the greatest needs of the modern era.
Read: Difference between Knowledge and Wisdom
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Abdullah Soomro, penname Abdullah Usman Morai, hailing from Moro town of Sindh, province of Pakistan, is based in Stockholm Sweden. Currently he is working as Groundwater Engineer in Stockholm Sweden. He did BE (Agriculture) from Sindh Agriculture University Tando Jam and MSc water systems technology from KTH Stockholm Sweden as well as MSc Management from Stockholm University. Beside this he also did masters in journalism and economics from Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur Mirs, Sindh. He is author of a travelogue book named ‘Musafatoon’. His second book is in process. He writes articles from time to time. A frequent traveler, he also does podcast on YouTube with channel name: VASJE Podcast.
