THERE’S SOMETHING QUITE powerful about spending time alone, away from the distractions of work or family commitments and the busyness of life. And it becomes even more powerful when that alone-time takes place in the great outdoors.
Outward Bound is one organisation that knows the significance of this, and their solo experiences have an almost legendary status amongst those who’ve done one of their courses. Within this component, all comforts are stripped away. Just a tarpaulin for shelter, your sleeping bag, a little food, and not much else. And all you’re given – apart from your meagre supplies – are some paper and a pen. That’s it.
It’s promoted as a time of personal reflection. And for three days (out in the middle of the bush, with no one around) you’re left on your lonesome. Just you and your thoughts …
One Outward Bounder I spoke to a number of years ago told me he’d spent much of his time crying. He confessed that his marriage wasn’t too flash at that stage. When placed in that solo environment, he was forced to reflect on his life – and he didn’t like what he saw.
You see, when the distractions are removed – when there’s no TV to switch on, no work to bury yourself in, no phonecalls to make – you inevitably start taking a good long look at yourself. And that’s not always an easy thing to do!
But guess what? The results are worth it! Because priorities get sorted … your thinking becomes clear … and what really matters most, matters most again.
I encourage you to grab some time-out and try it one day! You won’t regret it, I guarantee …
