Thoughts on detachment, solitude and apathy

My quit smoking work at the hospital sees me fully immersed in a bureaucratic world again after a lengthy absence. It is astonishing how quickly I have got drawn into the dysfunction, become obsessed with details. It takes a third 'D' word for me to stay calm: detachment. The job is an excellent chance to practice detachment. Details won't matter next month, next year...

The busy hospital world also sees me craving solitude. I have been blessed with many years of personal space. I spent a great deal of time alone, and have needed every minute of it for reflection, writing, meditation. Now I can see why: without regular solitude there is no divine connection. No divine connection means depression and stress. Make time often to be alone.

My NIA campaign (see previous blog) is not happening, yet. So many people have congratulated me on the newspaper column about zero child murders in New Zealand by 2012 - they have agreed with every word - but not one single person has said: 'What can I do to help?' And it is that apathy that causes bad situations to continue. Action is needed now to save children's lives.

Solitude is your soul's best friend

I read this quote in a wonderful little book 'The Complete Pocket Positive': 'O solitude, the soul's best friend', written by English poet Charles Cotton (1630-1687). Those words describe my life. The deeper I go on my spiritual path, the more solitude I need.

Creating space for solitude is hard. I am a busy wife, mother, friend; I am building a new house and business. I have so much on my mind every day. But I know I must be alone with my soul - for an hours walk or for a three day retreat. Do you make room for solitude?