Although it may be easy to confuse solitude with loneliness,

It all depends on your behavior.

Human contact with the best intentions will remedy most loneliness.

Some symbols seem to resonate with western civilization more than others: a lit candle, a peace sign, because of our Jewish or Christian culture Jesus.

I personally resonate with a lit candle, peace sign and the laughing Christ.

This helps me become aware of my feelings of solitude.

When I experience the best solitude is usually after a challenging social occasion with family and friends.

I will walk away to be by myself in solitude, rather than harm myself or others.

I have practiced this habit for many years, it is great for initial difficult social connections.

Ironically, further social contact will solve my problem, sometimes with additional solitude to recharge my energy level.

As a creative person, I have always needed some solitude for my work.

“The Laughing Christ”

The reason I use symbols to express solitude is complex.

Society seems to be confused by the experience of western solitude.

Each culture has its own bias and misunderstanding regarding complex problems.

I believe we are having a difficult time with solitude and am willing to explore more deeply the need in our day to day living.

Caring to use solitude in useful ways seem to be challenging at best and downright confusing at times.

I hope to shed more light on the topic in future writings.