Solitude

 Solitude is not about being alone.  You can be alone but in a state of fantasy.  Your imagination is in charge.  You can be alone working on a resentment, or alone working on a six pack.  None of these are solitude.  Solitude comes when we are aware of the presence of God, or for addicts, the Higher Power of whom they speak.  I can be on a bus with other people, but suddenly am aware of the God-Presence within me and around me.  In this instance, I am in solitude but connected with others.  All solitude, even when alone, leads to a sense of union with others and the world around me.  It gets expressed as compassion, forgiveness, patience, mercy, among other positive, connecting attitudes.  Solitude leads to freedom.