Rowing the Ocean: Embracing Solitude Over Loneliness
As I prepare to row across an ocean, I find myself reflecting on the profound difference between loneliness and solitude. While both involve being alone, their impacts are worlds apart. This journey is about more than just physical endurance—it’s a chance to understand and embrace the peace of solitude, something I hope to share with you all.
The Pain of Loneliness
Loneliness is a feeling many of us know all too well. It’s that sense of disconnection, the hollow ache that comes from feeling isolated even in a crowd. It’s
not just about being physically alone; it’s about the quality of our relationships. As Brené Brown puts it, “We are hardwired for connection, and when we cultivate it, we feel safe and brave. When we lose it, we feel alone and vulnerable.” Loneliness is the pain of missing that essential human connection.
The Peace of Solitude
In contrast, solitude is a different experience entirely. It’s the choice to spend time alone, not as an escape, but as a means to reconnect with ourselves. Solitude is where we find our true selves, away from the noise and demands of the world. Paul Tillich captured this beautifully: “Language has created the word ‘loneliness’ to express the pain of being alone, and it has created the word ‘solitude’ to express the glory of being alone.” In solitude, we find a profound peace and clarity.
My Journey into Solitude
Rowing an ocean is a perfect example of embracing solitude. For 40 days, I’ll be alone with my thoughts, my body, and the rhythm of the oars. It’s not just a physical challenge; it’s a meditative practice. Each stroke is a step into deeper introspection, much like how I felt during my cycling days. On the bike, everything would quiet down, and I could feel my body and the sensations I often numbed out in daily life.
The Luxury of Introspection
We often tell ourselves we don’t have time for introspection. Life’s demands leave little room for self-reflection. But this journey is a rare opportunity to step away from the noise and truly listen to my inner voice. Jack Kornfield said, “In the silence of solitude, you will find the depths of your own heart.” I aim to find that silence, that depth, during this voyage.
Embracing Sensations
What I loved most about cycling was the sensation of being fully alive. The wind against my skin, the power in my legs—these moments reminded me of my vitality. Rowing will bring similar sensations: the burn in my muscles, the calluses on my hands, the sway of the boat. These experiences will ground me in the present, bringing me back to my true self.
A Challenge for Self-Growth
This journey is about self-growth as much as it is about physical endurance. It’s a chance to confront my fears, doubts, and insecurities. May Sarton captured this beautifully: “Loneliness is the poverty of self; solitude is the richness of self.” Through this challenge, I hope to find that richness, that sense of self that thrives in solitude.
Sharing the Journey
While this journey is deeply personal, it’s also something I want to share with you. The tools, mindsets, and practices I develop along the way will be invaluable not just for me, but for anyone seeking deeper understanding and peace. By documenting my experiences, I hope to inspire you to explore your own paths of solitude and self-discovery.
Conclusion
Rowing an ocean is my way of embracing solitude, a 40-day journey into introspection and self-awareness. It’s about finding peace in the rhythm of the oars and reconnecting with the sensations of life. As we navigate our lives, let’s remember that solitude is not just a state of being alone—it’s a celebration of the self. I invite you to join me on this journey, to explore the difference between loneliness and solitude, and to find the depths of your own heart.
