Philosophy of Solitude
Monday, 22 July 2024
| James Cross
Rain patters softly against the window, a rare event in Perth this year. Something to be savoured and enjoyed.
I have been sleeping oddly as I recover from a bug. I woke up this morning after 16 hours of good sleep, reflecting on how my concept of luxury changes as I age.
The gentle sound draws me inward. The world outside fades away, replaced by the quiet warmth of simpler times. I drift back to days when time seemed to stretch endlessly, offering unhurried moments to savour. Those days unfolded in cosy interiors, wrapped in gentle conversation. Most of all, I remember the luxury of doing nothing at all.
This nostalgia, both bittersweet and warm, guides these reflections. Age and life's complexities transform what once seemed a waste of time into cherished memories of freedom and simplicity. The rain's rhythm deepens this reflective mood, drawing me into a peaceful awareness of the contrast between youthful abundance and the fleeting nature of time in adulthood.
Solace, solitude and the everyday
In this gentle introspection, I find solace in everyday pleasures, learning to appreciate life's smaller joys. This awareness allows me to find luxury in a balanced perspective, constructing a contentment from simple moments, enjoyed in solitude. As the rain continues to fall, I rest in this reflective space, appreciating both the freedom I once had and the comfort of life's current rhythm.
Here, past and present converge, fostering a serene equilibrium that soothes the heart, offering joy and fulfillment amidst life's changing tides. Hence the artwork, a handcrafted testament to natural fibres, embodies an intimate connection with the Dreamtime,[1] pointing toward the eternal, omnipresent presence of the Dreamtime in personal sojourns.
Solitude, often seen as a simple state of being alone, carries a deeper significance as a space for profound self-reflection, emotional processing and personal growth. Solitude forces an individual to confront existential truths often ignored in the hustle of daily life — our mortality, the quest for meaning, personal inadequacies and the demands of living authentically. In an age dominated by digital overstimulation and a culture that values social busyness, these introspective challenges are frequently sidelined. Avoiding these fundamental aspects of human existence can lead to a life characterised by superficiality and pervasive dissatisfaction.
Despite the discomfort it may initially evoke, solitude offers a powerful setting for self-reckoning. It is in solitude that suppressed emotions can surface, perspectives can shift and a deeper, more resilient sense of self can emerge. This process of solitary reflection is crucial for developing a life that is not only more aligned with one’s true self but also richer and more intentional.
However, access to this valuable state is significantly influenced by various socioeconomic and cultural factors, making solitude not merely a personal choice but also a reflection of broader societal inequities. For those with financial resources, creating an environment conducive to solitude is more achievable. They can afford physical spaces designed for quiet reflection, have the luxury to take time off work and can engage in leisure activities that promote introspection. This availability of choice and control over one’s environment and time allows wealthier individuals to step back from the demands of daily life to engage with their inner thoughts and feelings.
Conversely, individuals from less affluent backgrounds often find solitude a rare luxury. The constant pressure to meet daily needs through continuous labour leaves little room for periods of quiet reflection. For many, the demands of survival in a competitive economic system consume all energy and time, making solitude not an attainable state but a distant luxury.
Gender roles and cultural expectations further complicate access to solitude. In many cultures, women are particularly affected by expectations to be continuously productive or engaged in caretaking roles. Society often views women’s time spent in solitude or idleness as wasteful, attaching a stigma to what is perceived as inactivity. This societal pressure can lead to a profound sense of guilt among women who seek time for solitude, despite its psychological benefits. The cultural scripts that dictate how individuals should spend their time profoundly influence who gets to experience solitude and who remains caught in perpetual activity.
The paradox of solitude is that, while it underscores social and economic disparities, it is also an essential tool for fostering the kind of self-awareness and authenticity necessary for genuine fulfillment. Access to solitude is not merely about having time alone but involves the capacity to engage with one's deeper thoughts and emotions, free from the immediate pressures of external responsibilities.
In this context, solitude represents both an indicator of social inequality and a potentially emancipatory practice. It highlights the disparities in how different groups navigate the pressures of daily life and their opportunities for personal development. Thus, promoting equitable access to solitude is not just about encouraging personal wellness but also about addressing the structural inequalities that limit this access for many.
Ultimately, understanding solitude as both a symptom of societal inequities and a crucial component of individual health and authenticity offers a dual perspective. It calls for a societal reassessment of how solitude is valued and facilitated across different socio-economic and cultural contexts. And, by recognising and addressing the barriers to solitude, society can better support all individuals in achieving a more introspective, fulfilling and authentic existence.
Engaging deeply with solitude and the existential questions it raises can be a transformative experience, crucial for understanding one's place in the world and living a fulfilled life. It allows for a pause in the relentless pace of modern life, providing space to confront and understand the profound aspects of human existence. Solitude enables the exploration of one's deepest thoughts and feelings, away from the cacophony of societal expectations and the incessant demands of daily routines. This journey into the self is not merely an escape but a deliberate quest to forge a deeper connection with one’s essence and the mysteries of life.
Reflective practice reveals the layers of our existence, exposing the transient and often illusory nature of our societal engagements. As we peel away the superficial, we encounter the core of our being and the universal truths that bind humanity. This introspection can lead to a profound sense of peace and understanding, as we realise the interconnectedness of all things and the smallness of our own existence in the vast tapestry of the universe.
The impermanence of Indigenous art
The impermanent nature of Australian Indigenous art, particularly in forms such as sand paintings and bark creations, deeply reflects and embodies the philosophical and cultural values of Indigenous Australian communities. These artworks are not meant to be permanent fixtures but are dynamic, momentary expressions of cultural identity, spiritual beliefs and communal stories. The ephemeral quality of these creations teaches us about the cycles of life, the importance of living in harmony with nature and the importance of being attentive to the present moment.
This perspective on impermanence contrasts sharply with modern Western notions of art as a commodity and a permanent entity. It challenges conventional views of art's purpose, urging us to appreciate the beauty and spirituality of the moment of creation and interaction, rather than focusing on preservation and ownership. It provokes a re-evaluation of our understanding of materiality, urging a shift from acquisition and permanence to appreciation of the ephemeral and spiritual.
In Western contexts, art often transcends its material form to become a commodity, bought, sold and preserved in museums, where it is removed from the cultural and temporal contexts that give it meaning. This treatment of art as a static, unchanging product misrepresents the essence of artistic expression, which at its core is fluid and ever-changing. The Indigenous approach, which values the act of creation and the momentary experience of art, offers a critical lens through which we can examine our own cultural assumptions about value, permanence and ownership.
The impermanent nature of Indigenous art shares a profound connection with the concept of solitude. Both experiences - the creation of ephemeral art and moments of solitude - invite us to engage deeply with the present moment, free from the distractions of permanence and material attachment. In solitude, like in the creation and appreciation of temporary art, we are confronted with the transient nature of our own existence and thoughts. This parallel invites us to consider how both solitude and Indigenous art serve as gateways to a more authentic, present-centred way of being.
Just as Indigenous art flourishes in its temporality, moments of solitude gain their power from their fleeting nature. Both experiences encourage a form of mindfulness, asking us to fully immerse ourselves in the present without clinging to what has passed or anxiously anticipating the future. The practice of creating impermanent art and the experience of solitude both cultivate a state of mind that values process over product, experience over possession.
Reflecting on these interconnected perspectives, we are invited to consider the broader implications of impermanence and solitude in our lives. This acceptance can liberate us from the burdens of material attachment and the fear of loss, allowing us to live more fully in the present, engage more authentically with our surroundings and re-evaluate our priorities and values.
Ultimately, the contemplation of solitude and the transient nature of Indigenous art are deeply intertwined, offering profound insights into the way we perceive and engage with the world. Both challenge our notions of permanence and encourage a more fluid, present-centered approach to life. By embracing the lessons of Indigenous art and the value of solitude, we can cultivate a deeper appreciation for the beauty of impermanence and the richness of momentary experiences.
Three traditions and a common thread
A comparison of the spirituality inherent in Indigenous Australian traditions with the Book of Kells and with Orthodox Christian iconography offers a compelling study in synchronicity despite their disparate cultural origins. Each tradition encapsulates a profound intuition suggesting that human activities ought to aspire towards triple transcendence — truth, beauty and goodness — and an appreciation of momentary experiences, rather than mere economic efficiency, to truly nurture human flourishing.
Indigenous Australian spirituality is deeply rooted in a connection to the land and its ancestors, manifesting a unique expression of the sacred that transcends simple artistic or ritualistic practices. Here, spirituality is a lived experience, a day-to-day engagement with a world teeming with spiritual significance. This ethos extends to their art, which often serves not just as aesthetic expression but as a dynamic conduit for cultural knowledge and spiritual wisdom, profoundly interwoven with the rhythms of nature and community life. This understanding of art, in turn, shifts the emphasis away from the end product, drawing our attention to the spiritual process of making art - the act of creation.
Similarly, the Book of Kells, an illuminated Celtic manuscript from the early medieval period, is one of the most exquisite exemplars of Christian artistry and devotion. Created in a monastic setting, it reflects a meticulous devotion to the divine word, with each intricately inked page serving as an act of worship. The vibrant illustrations and complex iconography are not merely decorative but are imbued with theological depth, turning the manuscript into a meditative tool for those who viewed its pages. As with Indigenous Australian art, the creation process is as spiritually significant as the end product.
Orthodox Christian iconography also shares this intrinsic connection between artistry and spirituality. Icons are not just religious paintings; they are considered windows to the divine, intended to lead the viewer into a deeper communion with the spiritual realm. The process of creating an icon is itself regarded as a form of prayer, each stroke of the brush guided by fasts, chants and spiritual discipline, ensuring that the iconographer’s work is imbued with sacred intention. Again, this aligns with the Indigenous Australian focus on the spiritual process embedded in art creation, emphasising art not merely as creation but as an act of spiritual significance.
This cross-cultural exploration reveals that these traditions view art not simply as a means of self-expression but as a profound duty to embody and communicate the spiritual and theological virtues of their respective cultures. In each, there is a clear recognition of the arts as a vital, communal engagement — a space where the ephemeral can touch the eternal, and solitary creation contributes to communal spiritual life.
In reflecting on these diverse spiritual and artistic traditions, one sees a common songline: the pursuit of a higher existential plane through the medium of art. This pursuit reflects a broader, more integrative approach to life where economic and material considerations are subordinated to the spiritual, aesthetic and ethical dimensions of human existence. Such a holistic approach not only enriches individual lives but also fosters a more profound communal connection, promoting a more rounded and deeply rooted form of human flourishing.
Solitude, much like the ephemeral nature of Indigenous art, serves as a crucial element in this pursuit. In solitude, individuals can connect more deeply with their inner selves and the surrounding world, embracing the transient nature of existence. This reflection allows for a deeper appreciation of the present moment, mirroring the Indigenous emphasis on the act of creation and the fleeting beauty of their art. By embracing solitude, we can detach from material attachments, enhance our spiritual and aesthetic experiences and cultivate a sense of ethical responsibility to our communities. This synthesis of solitude and artistic impermanence offers a pathway to a more integrated and meaningful life.
James Cross trained in philosophy and economics in the Catholic University system. His knowledge as an indigenous man was formed by his mother from the Stolen Generation and the worldview of his Tiwi Island mentor. James is a writer and artist.
Artwork credit: Solitude by James Cross.
[1] There is a range of views regarding Dreaming/Dreamtime around Australia. My influence is from the leaders and elders of the north, who use ‘Dreamtime’. This is often in contrast to the academic perspective of Sydney and Melbourne.
I don’t like to use the terms ‘Dreamtime’ and ‘Dreaming’, however they are the terms my elders use. The reason for my hesitation is that these terms can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or oversimplifications of complex Indigenous concepts and knowledge systems. ‘Dreamtime’ is not merely a mythological past but an ongoing, dynamic cosmological framework, a collective, endemic epistemological tradition that encompasses the foundational narratives, laws and ethical guidelines of Aboriginal cultures. This ontology is adaptive and regenerative, guiding communal life, relationships and environmental stewardship. It is an overarching system that integrates spiritual, social and ecological knowledge, transcending linear time to include past, present and future.