May 6,

"Loneliness is the poverty of self; solitude is richness of self." ― May Sarton

Having time or making time for solitude is something I treasure. It is a way to refuel the soul. Sometimes a book is a great companion but there are times when it is good to go solo into the quiet.
Sometimes solitude means cleaning out a closet. Our lab and I have walks that qualify as solitude. Whatever qualifies as needed time alone is solitude.
Solitude recharges the brain, allows focus, and adds clarity to thought. It allows time for engagement in deep thoughts. It also provides time for one to discover things about themselves.

This image was captured when I was with a couple of photographer friends. Their presence added to the overall quality of the time spent on top of this mountain looking over at the Maroon Bells. We were quiet in our work and yet appreciated the comfort of the others' company. We were capturing the fading light of day when I spotted the sunlight on this stone. What a lovely place to sit and just be.

Remember the Calgon commercials many years ago? Calgon take me away! Or not quite so long ago George’s father on Seinfeld would shout Serenity Now! Solitude is essential to include in life.
Seek it, enjoy it and notice its benefits.

"Guard well your spare moments. They are like uncut diamonds. Discard them and their value will never be known. Improve them and they will become the brightest gems in a useful life.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson

Peace.