The need for solitude

I was a single child with both parents working. That meant there were long periods when I only had myself for company. This was the pre-internet era, when TV was viewed as a distraction that kids should not have controlled. Hence I used to spend long periods of time alone with my thoughts. I used to day dream a lot, but I also became a keen observer and thinker. I could think deeply and postulate making connections which were not apparent on the surface. I had started to enjoy the solitude, it was my friend. I craved for it.

Now, I have become a slave to my mobile. There is a constant need to check YouTube or Twitter as if I would lose out on something if I did not have the information first. I want bite-sized information on dopamine hits. I do not consume long-form content, either or video or very rarely on a book. I hardly spend time with my thoughts away from my devices. Some way my hypothesis and knowledge has become superficial. I have a high breadth but little depth. To master anything one requires depth.

I need to get back to the idea of spending time with myself away from the phone and gadgets. Just me and my thoughts - no music, sound, or other activity. Let my thoughts build on themselves. it would be scary but I might discover an old companion and friend, the one who accompanied me when I was a kid.