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Encyclopedia > Solitude

For other uses, see Solitude (disambiguation).

Solitude, Frederic Leighton

Contemplation

Short-term solitude is often valued as a time when one may work, think or rest without being disturbed. It may be desired for privacy. Privacy has no definite boundaries and it has different meanings for different people. ...

Solitude differs from that of loneliness. Where loneliness is a separation from showing a lack of connectedness with others and a sense of deperation as one looks within their soul. Solitude can bring a warm sense of peace and serenity to your inner self. Solitude comes with self-confidence. It allows one to apply their faith and love in a higher being to appreciation of their own human qualities. The core of solitude is in the qualities of humility and compassion. Where lonliness is a separation from others, solitude is an inner connection with God. Lonliness is never chosen where as solitude is a choice. An example can be seen in monks. They regard long-term solitude as a means of spiritual enlightenment. For other uses, see Monk (disambiguation). ... Enlightenment (or brightening) broadly means the acquisition of new wisdom or understanding enabling clarity of perception. ...

A distinction can be made between physical and mental seclusion. People may seek physical seclusion to remove distractions and make it easier to concentrate, reflect, or meditate. However, it's not the end in itself and once a certain capacity to resist distractions is achieved, people become less sensitive to distractions and more capable of maintaining mindfulness and staying inwardly absorbed and concentrated. Such people, unless on a mission of helping others, don't seek any interaction with the external physical world. Their mindfulness is their world, at least ostensibly.

Symptoms from externally imposed isolation often include anxiety, sensory illusions, or even distortions of time and perception. Young humans tend to adapt better to isolation than older humans do. Pioneering research in this area was done by McGill University in Montreal, Canada. McGill University. ...

1 Different types
2 Other uses
- 2.1 As a punishment
- 2.2 As a treatment
3 See also
4 References
5 External links

Different types

There are two different common types of human isolation. These are known as Protective Isolation and Source Isolation. They are different in that one is voluntary, while the other is not.

Protective isolation is the type of isolation created in tests. This can usually be classified by the fact that one can opt out of the experiment, or the isolation. It can often be prepared for, and is generally not a negative thing. (More often than not, there is a reward for the subject's time as an experiment.)

Source isolation includes no benefits, and cannot be prepared for. Thus, it is usually undesirable, and is not very common.

Emotional isolation is a term used to describe a state of isolation where the individual is emotionally isolated, but may have a well functioning social network. Emotional isolation â€“ is a term used to describe a state of isolation where the individual is emotionally isolated, but may have a well functioning social life. ... Not to be confused with social network services such as MySpace, etc. ...

Other uses

As a punishment

Isolation, in the form of solitary confinement is a punishment used in many countries throughout the world for prisoners accused of serious crimes, those who may be at risk in the prison population (such as pædophiles), those who may commit suicide and those unable to participate in the prison population due to sickness or injury. Solitary confinement, colloquially referred to as the hole (or in British English the block), is a punishment in which a prisoner is denied contact with any other persons, excluding guards, chaplains and doctors. ... Pedophilia or paedophilia (see spelling differences) is the primary or exclusive sexual attraction by adults to prepubescent youths. ...

As a treatment

In addition, psychiatric institutions may also institute full isolation or partial isolation for certain patients, particularly the violent or subversive, in order to minister to their particular needs and protect the rest of the recovering population from their influence.

References

Psychology Today: Solitude vs Loneliness
Merriam-Webster Online solitude

External links

The Call of Solitude - How spending time alone can enhance intimacy, by Ester Buchholz (Psychology Today Magazine, Jan/Feb 1998)

Categories: Psychology | Sociology | Living arrangements

Results from FactBites:

Solitude - definition of Solitude in Encyclopedia (89 words)
	Solitude (also seclusion, isolation) means lack of contact with other people.
	Short-term solitude is often valued as a time when one may work, think or rest without being disturbed.
	monks) regard long-term solitude as a means of spiritual enlightenment.

Solitude - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (376 words)
	It may stem from deliberate choice, contagious disease, disfiguring features or repulsive personal habits, or circumstances of employment or situation (see castaway).
	Long-term solitude is often seen as undesirable, causing loneliness or reclusion, resulting from inability to establish relationships. ; However, for some people solitude is not depressing. Still others (e.g.
	A distinction can be made between physical and mental seclusion.

More results at FactBites »

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