Solitude

 The quality of our time of solitude in meditation is shown in our desire to communicate something of it to others.  I find that I am better connected with those around me when I have taken time for this solitude.  This aloneness is not loneliness.  I make inner connections so that I can make better outer connections.  I am more likely to say yes to being helpful to others if I have had my solitude time.  You see this in Recovery programs where step 11 is meditation and step 12 is service to others.