One Night of Solitude

Every now then, we get to the point in our lives when we just have to stop, shut out the world and be only with ourselves; be it inside our own bedroom listening to music, or just having a random stroll wherever our feet take us.

These times of being alone make us think and even talk to ourselves, to listen to what our minds are trying to say; like a reality check. We might even start to laugh or possibly cry, or both. During these times, we're free; free from everything and free to do anything. Sometimes, we choose to be alone. While other times, being alone chooses us.

There are people who experience moments of "emptiness"; like there's a hole inside you or that feeling that you're hollow and that you just can't seem to be filled by anything at that very moment. You may find yourself wandering around, not knowing where your feet might take you. But just walking and not thinking about anything in particular, just some random thoughts; like constantly switching channels of a television.

Sometimes, we're able to figure out the reason why 'alone' chose us or why we chose to be alone. And sadly, sometimes we don't; we just snap out of this reverie and keep moving forward.

Solitude; a state or situation of being alone. A night of one can put you at ease or at times, make you even more anxious. Life has always been so complicated, but there are just times when everything seems too complex and we're left standing at crossroads, not knowing which path to choose and what action to do.

When we think about it, being alone doesn't necessarily mean that we're lonely. I believe that being alone is more of a choice of state or situation while being lonely is more of a feeling or emotion. Sometimes, it even takes more courage to be alone than to be with others. Unless of course, those others are trying to kill you.

Some people take this time of solitude to be able to step back and look at the bigger picture. Life is happening at all the corners of this circle world, and only a few people would stop brisk walking or running to cut lines in MRT in a hurry to go home, go out with friends, or go to school/work. For the few people who would actually slow down and try to take in details from their surroundings, the buildings, the people passing by, the trees, the sky... Sometimes, these are the people who are able to take pleasure in even the simplest, minutest details. At times, they can even be surprised; like seeing things for the very first time even though they've been passing that same street or corner for a very long time. This could be because they're the ones who would take time to appreciate these details' worth. For others who are always hurrying up to get to the next destination, they might find time to be exactly speeding up, matching their pace.

Every once in a while, we tend to have these nights of solitude. But instead of speeding up, take advantage of these moments and try slowing down. Maybe we'll see life around us, and it'll feel like everything else is also slowing down. After all, this is our one life, and it is ending one minute at a time.

By hurrying in life, not only do we fail to see the beautiful sceneries around us, but we also tend to lose sense of where we are going and the reason why.