“Literature is the most agreeable way of ignoring life.”
― Fernando Pessoa, The Book of Disquiet 

Solitude & Serenity

Peace and Comfort in a Troubled World.

It would seem sensible to attach serenity to solitude. Aren't they the same thing? A person can be in a serene state of mind and body while being in solitude or alone from anyone else. I looked up both, trying to find similarities, and while disclaiming any other person, I find that they both relate.

I live alone in quasi-solitude, with the Internet being my only recourse 70% of the time. I don't think it's possible to find a place of solitude without being alone and away from other people or distractions. But let's stray away from the official definition and venture into reality. If I'm reading a book or writing on my computer, I am in a state of complete comfort, free from any distractions. When someone enters the house, both solitude and serenity are violated somewhat, but to varying degrees. I can no longer concentrate on what I'm doing, but still stay comfortable. Because my surroundings have changed, I am placed at odds with not being alone anymore. Solitude fades away, but serenity doesn't.

You can calm stress through security and solitude. A person suffering from stress that's caused by any outside influence will not find relief until they can eliminate those things causing the stress. Simple right? Money, or lack thereof, is the most identifiable cause of stress. People become homeless by choice or tiny house dwellers to live a debt-free existence, which was or may have been the driving factor causing stress.

Let's say I am stressed and go to a therapist to see if I can work it out. The therapist relates my stress to the same causes that affect, say, 85% of the population. But my causes for stress aren't being addressed, and the therapist may suggest ways to work through stress while not identifying the cause. And the suggested remedies are getting by myself and relaxing, even though they may not be the solution.

You’ve seen the movies where the lady comes home to her apartment, kicks off her shoes, changes clothes, and turns on the music. Next, there’s a glass of wine and a cat to stroke. She’s alone, and her mind is free of the day’s stresses.

But everyone’s idea of what makes them safe, secure, and comfortable is different. A person working in a busy factory doesn’t have solitude but has serenity through the confidence in their abilities to perform a repetitive task, while the newcomer doesn’t have either.

Now, say I live in a city where solitude is only a word. Regardless of where I go, there is no getting away from others except maybe in my residence, and that's not a good choice because I lack the money to get a quiet place. So let's say I live alone in solitude. But what else can I do? The country setting is a welcoming place, but other stressed people in the city may think the same thing. Ever tried going to the lake on a Saturday? So the residence it is, and I've solved the solitude problem at least to my satisfaction. Now to work on serenity (remember the need to satisfy the therapist's recommendations).

Serenity is easier to satisfy than getting alone time, and if you have a quiet space, there is also reading, writing, meditation, yoga, and your inventions.

My inventions are probably different from yours. And because they’re mine, my past life’s experiences shaped them. But many people, well, probably most people, will at least attempt to satisfy any solutions that the therapist recommends. Some will go to great lengths to try those new things, too. And it will convince some people that those new ideas are working and that the therapist has changed their whole outlook on life. That’s how so many of these so-called experts get their reputations.

Some will be so utterly convinced that they will say, “Oh, you must try Suzie because she is so in tune with my psyche that I don’t know where I would be in my life today without her.” While not realizing that Suzie most likely wasn’t there with them daily, while they were thinking through those new experiences. They are giving Suzie credit for something that they worked through themselves.

Past life experiences and mindset are two of the most powerful things you must overcome if you truly want to reach a state of mental peace, which is actually what solitude and serenity are. It is what you think it is, based on your own experiences. Some people are completely at rest in hectic, noisy environments because that is what they are accustomed to, and are uncomfortable when things get quiet. Then others are completely the opposite. The definition of solitude and serenity shapes us individually.