I’ve done the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage twice and I’m currently planning my third Camino, this time from Porto.
It’s sometimes difficult for people to understand why I keep going back; back to the solitude of walking alone, the only distraction being to stop and take in the beautiful views, listen to the sounds of nature, and tap into the peace that can only come from within.
Most people I know don’t get it.
One of the things you notice when you are walking alone for hundreds of kilometres – with no headphones and with no conversations with anyone else – is just how much and how loud your own head-chatter is.
That head-chatter is going on all the time!
That head-chatter is going on all the time but, in our day-to-day lives, we don’t notice it. It’s only when things get really quiet, and there are no distractions and no other people, that all that incessant internal dialogue comes into our awareness.
Alone time allows you to become aware of all that noise in your head which is what is getting in the way, or blocking, your truly helpful voice that is also speaking to you all the time, but quietly. That still small voice is there, it’s just drowned out by that incessant chatter of your mind.
That still, small voice is where all your power is. It’s where truth is. That inner voice is what holds all the wisdom you need to live an authentic and powerful life. It’s the voice that will guide you and it’s the voice that will challenge you to face your past hurts, to make different decisions, and it’s the voice that demands that you make whatever changes you need to make to get you onto the right path for your life.
You only get to hear from that voice once you have quietened down all that head chatter.
You need to become aware of what your mind is doing. And then, do whatever it is you can to quieten that voice enough so that you can hear from that inner, still, small voice that is guiding you to your best life.
Go on a pilgrimage, go on a retreat, go for a walk in a park, or simply find some quiet space and time in your own home, away from anything and anyone who might distract you. Be in silence. Quiet your mind enough so that you can hear from that still, small voice.
Another benefit of embracing solitude? You’ll discover a sense of freedom and empowerment that comes from being comfortable with yourself.
As Oscar Wilde said: “I think it’s very healthy to spend time alone. You need to know how to be alone and not defined by another person.”
