In 1845, Henry David Thoreau began his two year experiment in self-isolated living at Walden Pond near Concord, Massachusetts. Thoreau built a small cabin, about the size of a garden shed, as a refuge from the noise and distraction of daily life.
His time at Walden Pond wasn’t mandated isolation, it was a form of constructive solitude. It was an opportunity to focus and concentrate with fewer distractions.
Thoreau often spent his mornings tending to his bean field while reserving the afternoons and evenings for exploring nature, reading, and contemplation. His simple routine enabled him to devote time to introspection, immersion in nature, and his writing. While isolated, he finished writing his first book, A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers, and journaled about his experiences and thoughts.
This uncommon lifestyle of simple living interested the public, who followed the standard routine of the times: six working days and one day off. The public’s collective curiosity encouraged Thoreau to write a collection of essays about his experiences in the woods that compose the book Walden or Life in the Woods.
Through his writing, Thoreau emphasizes the value of solitude and the self-awareness that comes with it. Solitude is neither loneliness nor isolation, rather it is a state of mind that enables reflection and focused work.
Thoreau did not head to Walden Pond with the intent of creating one of the great works of American literature. He went to the woods so he could live deliberately and learn what it had to teach. Yet, he was able to create an influential and lasting piece of writing.
How was he able to do this?
Viewing solitude as beneficial – Thoreau sought out isolation to see what he could learn. He went into the experiment with an open mind. Think about what isolation enables you to do that you may not have otherwise been able to do.
Removing distractions – Life in the woods gave Thoreau freedom from the busy-ness of daily life. Simplifying frees up the mind to focus on what matters.
Dedicating time for reflection – Carving out time for contemplation and reflection is important for synthesizing thoughts. Reflection is like recovery from working out. You need to give your body time to rest after a workout so you can come back stronger. You also need to give your mind time to think so you can develop a better understanding.
Thoreau used isolation to his advantage. However, Walden was an experiment in voluntary self-isolation. At any time Thoreau could go into town and socialize or end his experiment, which enabled him to use isolation as a tool.
It is easier to thrive when isolation is your choice, but it does not mean that you cannot thrive in forced isolation.
Forced Isolation
Astronauts are subject to extended periods of forced isolation while living in a dangerous environment. Extreme isolation in space carries great risk for astronauts including: loneliness, helplessness, anxiety, and depression.
Yet, astronauts are not only able to cope in that environment, they are able to thrive.
Chris Hadfield is a Canadian retired astronaut and former commander of the International Space Station with plenty of experience making the most of forced isolation.
Hadfield lays out four things astronauts do to thrive while isolated in space:
- Know the risks – It does not help to just be afraid of isolation. Spend time to actually understand the risks. When you understand what you are up against it makes it easier to respond appropriately.
- Know your mission – Having a higher purpose or mission can help you stay positive and focused. Dealing with forced isolation is not easy, but having a mission can make it more productive.
- Know your constraints – Understand your obligations and what resource constraints you may have. Constraints improve your awareness of the current situation and help focus your attention.
- Take action – Once you understand the prior three elements it is time to take action and start doing things. The action can be anything you want – create, read, learn a new skill, work on a house project, etc. Isolation gives you the chance to do things you might not have had time for previously.
Hadfield said:
“You should have a fear of some things. That doesn’t mean it incapacitates you from your ability to figure out a way to deal with it.”
The Isolation Advantage
Whether you seek out solitude or are forced into isolation, realize there are dangers and risks involved. However, once you have an understanding of the risks you can find solace in isolation and even grow from it.
The thought of spending extended time alone may cause fear and unease. Reframing your thoughts is a powerful tool you can use to help with isolation. Think about isolation as opportunity instead of punishment. Ask yourself the question, “How can I make the most of this time alone?”
There is great value in developing the capacity to be alone.
A parting quote from author Mandy Hale:
“A season of loneliness and isolation is when the caterpillar gets its wings. Remember that next time you feel alone.”