It’s not unusual to see students eating alone, walking campus paths with headphones in, or reading quietly under a tree. What looks like isolation to some, may be an intentional practice of solitude for others.
Solitude is an important skill to learn with age. Knowing the difference between personal solitude and loneliness is critical as it can strengthen one's mental well-being when approached from a place of gratitude and a growth mindset according to Barbara Lehman, a psychology professor at Western Washington University who researches social, health and developmental psychology.
According to Psychology Today, “loneliness is marked by a sense of isolation. Solitude, on the other hand, is a state of being alone without being lonely and can lead to self-awareness.”
Lehman said that the difference between loneliness and solitude is about one's mindset going into a situation. The key to feeling comfortable doing activities alone is to have a growth mindset.
“A growth mindset is, ‘I’m gonna take it, I can handle this, I’m going to learn, I’m going to work on it, I’m going to persevere,’” Lehman said.
In a study by Cognitive Therapy and Research about reframing time spent alone, college students and community members were assigned to read a passage about solitude or loneliness and then sit alone for 10 minutes after.
The study found that those who read about solitude showed a positive change in mood and overall well-being compared to those who read about loneliness and the control group.
These results suggest that changing how you think about being alone can have positive impacts on your mental health.
Zoe Ellis, a senior at Western earning a Bachelor of Science in environmental science, often spends time alone. It’s something she enjoys.
“It's something important. I think it does bring confidence, being able to have happiness within yourself,” Ellis said. Her favorite activities to do alone are hammocking on Western’s Communications Lawn and reading.
One activity Lehman said was great for building confidence in having solace with yourself is the act of meditation. By focusing on the present moment through breathing techniques, meditation can help with ruminating thoughts and a relationship with oneself.
“Your emotions determine how you feel, so depending on which approach to meditation you’re thinking about, it's about recognizing what your emotions are doing to you,” Lehman said.
Madelyn Porter, a senior at Western and leader of the meditation club, defines meditation as growing accustomed to new experiences and an open mind. Meditation has the benefit of not asking anything of you, and coming as you are. It’s a way of self expression, accountability and the pursuit of one's inner peace, Porter said.
A study by Frontiers found that long periods of meditation may positively influence telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes, potentially slowing down cellular aging.
“When the telomere length gets too short, cells basically die. It can send out inflammation and all of these things that are risks for health,” Lehman said.
In the study, those who meditated in silence for three months found participants had higher telomerase levels, an enzyme that helps to maintain the length of telomeres.
To get started with meditation, Lehman recommends beginning with simple breathing exercises and closing your eyes to calm yourself and your nervous system. By focusing on your present environment, you can reduce ruminating thoughts and worry at any moment.
Porter adds that the Western’s meditation club is always welcoming new members. The club meets biweekly, Tuesdays from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Thursdays from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in room VU464.
Each meeting starts with a 20-minute silent meditation, followed by various other exercises such as breathing exercises or guided meditations. Meditation can have many purposes such as managing stress and anxiety, Lehman said.
“In college, you're meeting a lot of new people, and you're living away from your family, and all of these relationships are super volatile,” Porter said. “Being able to arrive at that space of your rationality and community, being able to regulate your nervous system is super important.”
Myla Balser (she/her) writes opinions for The Front. She’s a third-year Journalism student at Western, minoring in political science and film. You’ll usually find her reading, movie-marathoning or never turning down a good debate. You can reach her at mylabalser.thefront@gmail.com.
