Solitude

What is solitude?  Is it an emptiness? A void? The dictionary says it is “the state or situation of being alone”. To me, it is ‘me time’ and it is peaceful.

Sometimes finding solitude while travelling can be a challenge, especially when travelling as a group.  A few basic ways to find it are to separate and find a quiet space to reflect or read. Getting up earlier than the others and going for a walk or a swim also works well. Morning yoga or mindfulness practice are also great to strengthen your personal relationship with self. 

When I’m riding solo, I love to practice mindfulness.  While I’m always paying attention when in control of a motor vehicle, I am also aware of all my senses and notice the sounds, smells and sights around me. I also intensely feel the wind beating against me, the sun as it bathes me in Vitamin D, and the pressure of my body on the seat, my feet on the pegs, and my hands on the controls. I’ve even activated my sense of taste as bugs sneak in while I’m smiling as I ride. While it might be gross, I’m grateful for the smiles that riding brings me and I’ll take the extra protein as a bonus.

I might even argue that solitude doesn’t need to be physical.  For instance, when riding in a group, I can pay attention to my environment while at the same time enjoying the quiet of my mind.  No music, no conversation, just the feel of the road. And then there are times when I seek complete solitude by paddling solo down a river or pitching a tent and enjoying a quiet campfire.

People have asked me why I travel alone and I will admit it’s because I enjoy it.  Years ago when our kids were small, my husband and I would take turns going on rides because we didn’t have many childcare options and the kids were still too young to join us. That’s not to say that I don’t love traveling with my husband, or family vacations with the kids, it’s just that I also love spending time with myself. 

When I was 20 years old, away at boot camp for the Military College, I went on my first solo adventure.  I travelled from base to town, hopped on a bus and a ferry, and then to a hostel just so I could go bungee jumping in British Columbia. I almost missed the ferry back and the sunday night curfew, but the lessons I learned were worth the risk.  I discovered that I could be independent and create my own adventures. I felt gratification trying something new and I became more confident knowing that I could figure things out on my own. There was no internet then, nor did I have a cell phone. Nowadays there are so many more tools available to us.  Some of them encourage ‘over-connection’ and yet, if used sparingly, technology may help give a little extra security while heading out solo.  

I was lucky to learn early on in my life that I could choose my own adventures.  Not everyone has that same opportunity and it might take some time to figure out how to do it. I recommend starting small by finding solitude in the small things and working up to the bigger stuff.  Start with the walks and the day paddles, or maybe a short overnight bike ride. Soak in your environment and pay attention to your senses.  Enjoy the journey, and the solitude.

~Lori