The surprising power of solitude

00:00 intro
00:29 being alone vs solitude
03:34 what is solitude?
04:24 solitude deprivation
07:18 solitude as a tech addict
09:14 impact of digital detox
11:33 how I access solitude
12:22 benefits of solitude
16:56 difficulties accessing solitude
19:56 outro

#solitude #digitalminimalism #digitaldetox

[pearl]

i sometimes feel almost sick to my stomach from overstimulation, yet i have such a phone addiction i just cant stop. i really feel this….

[xvxv]

The greatest quote I ever heard was “your presence needs to be greater than my solitude”

[jenniferjacques]

I’ve been on my own digital minimalist journey for the past year, making small changes and steps here and there. It’s been so refreshing to start living life offline and not feeling such a pull to many social media platforms. I recently discovered your channel and I’ve been really enjoying your content. Thank you for bringing us along on your journey!

[justinhambidge]

Having two children the magical thing about those under 9/10 years old is that as a parent you rediscover enjoyment through solitude. Noticing all the small amazing things in life that we may take for granted.

[sidneyn]

Your journey has lined up so amazingly with my own. You are a few steps ahead of me which means I have a resource of inspiration and insight to turn to as I navigate what digital minimalism will mean for me. I began noticing a deep desire for projects in my life. Like I had when I was a kid. But I realized how little choice I had over my time and attention because of screen addiction. Thank you for sharing your journey. It is encouraging me to follow my intuition.

[CS-xlxv]

Two years ago I joined a zen center, a sangha and started meditating on a regular basis. I have gone on retreats at Deer Park Monastery (a Buddhist practice center in the Plum Village Thich Nhat Hanh tradition) I now enjoy the silence, the quiet, meditation and not being constantly stimulated or entertained. It has been life changing and your video resonated with me deeply

[stationery-and-stories]

I’ve been slowly making my way through your content and echo another comment here: I’m grateful you’ve continued on YouTube while you’ve moved toward digital minimalism! I’ve found inspiration and solace in your words and comments here. The irony of me watching/listening to this as I get ready for bed though… is high 😂

[shannonwebb]

I’ve been on a journey over the past 2 years with my relationship with technology and social media, having read books like How To Break Up With Your Phone, Stolen Focus and Digital Minimalism. I’m so glad I found your channel and a like minded person, as many people in my life don’t have the same thoughts about technology and social media.
Over the past year I slowly deleted all my social media accounts; the final one was Facebook which I deleted in December. At first it was a bit of a shock to the system to realise I don’t have as many friends or I’m not as connected as social media makes you believe, but this video helped me realise the solitude I’ve started to experience and how much I enjoy it. It got to the point where opening Facebook and constantly seeing what other people were doing in their lives was making me feel sick. I’ve experienced so much more peace and compared myself much less now that I am no longer bombarded by input from other people.
Thank you for your content 💛

[CocoKitty]

Hello, Charlie ! I hope you're doing okay :) seeing your lil' face makes me so happy !

Your discomfort with solitude really resonnates with me. When I'm in solitude ("free from the input of other minds), my thoughts come like a tsunami, my depression flares up, my anxiety shows up too. I might be using technology to numb them, like someone would do with alcohol or drugs.
Because of personal problems, I'm way more on my phone than last time we talked... I check the news (we changed Prime Minister so there's that), I frantically spoke with friends about my aforementioned problems, etc. It's all deeply rooted in anxiety. I'm back to biting my nails too.

However, I did a 750 pieces puzzle in three days (during a weekend) ! It's so satisfying :D

Also : THERE ARE EARBUDS TO GO IN WATER ? what the heck.

I really enjoyed this video, I will definitely go back to it. I can't wait to hear more of what you have to say.

[bottlethehappy]

I just wanted to say thank you for sticking with Youtube, Charlie. I enjoy your content and writing. There is always something I resonate with. Cheers!

[degloa]

Last week after some snow had stuck to the ground I had to spread some salt and gravel on a pathway. It was already pretty dark and I had forgotten my headphones. No neighbors or animals were outside as it was really cold. And as I was spreading the salt and gravel row by row I felt strangely content and calm. It was like the snow had muted the world and I could actually be in the world and of the world (to quote Audrey’s Sabrina) and just be.
I feel like this was only possible due to solitude and maybe, just maybe, a glimpse at what might be possible if I made it a priority to be truly alone. :)

[izssrbz]

You inspired me to start reading digital minimalism and I’m enjoying it so far

[Ayelet.M]

We are distracting ourselves from our feelings. Feelings that are uncomfortable. Even boredom is a feeling. I’m so happy I found your lovely community ❤ How does one reach out? (I’m guessing no IG 😅)

[Wilge_Zomer]

thanks for recommending digital minimalism! I turned a dumb phone this Christmas and only later discovered your channel and digital minimalism, its been a great journey so far.

[natashab]

Thanks Charlie - this is really inspiring! It sounds like you are reaching a meditative state now when you're swimming, which is meant to be very beneficial! Definitely soothing for your nervous system! I'm going to try and be more mindful at certain times of the day too.. giving my mind a chance to just be! ❤

[sarah]

I have two neurodivergent children, one is home educated but finds leaving the house difficult due to burnout. I’ve lost a group of ‘friends’ since my daughter was diagnosed and my partner works away so being on social media is the only ‘adult interaction’ I get some days. I’m not saying it’s good but it’s the only connection I have to the world outside my home most days.

[justinhambidge]

Great video. Living without smartphones and social media was just like it was in the 80’s. I always think how would it be best to introduce technology to our children and how old should they be.

[emmelinesprig]

Very thoughtful and thought-provoking.

[Aliceauquotidien]

You are amazing ! Your vidéos are inspiring ❤

[alessazoe]

hey charlie, a few videos back you mentioned (among other things) that you plan to get back into reading more. I would love to hear more about this topic, as the details you mentioned resonated highly with me. I was such a bookwork until my early twenties and then I fell out of it, I guess while more and more social media krept into my life. I would love to get back into the habit of reading, but as you described, it’s hard work and at first such a low-dopamine activity. would love to learn more about the steps you take to overcome this issue, how it has been working for you etc.