Solitude
A chosen, often restorative state of being alone, without the pain that defines Loneliness.
ambivalentlow activation
How it shows up
Solitude is time alone that one has chosen: a solo walk, a quiet morning, a retreat, an evening with a book. Many people describe it as restorative, a chance to think, create, or simply rest from being perceived. Its effects seem to depend heavily on choice; the same hours alone can feel very different when imposed. That voluntary quality is what separates it from loneliness.
How it differs from Loneliness
Loneliness is painful lack of wanted connection; solitude is chosen time alone that can feel restorative.
Notice
Notice what you tend to do with time alone when nothing is required of you.
Where it is felt
Felt most in the chest and whole body.
Based on Nummenmaa et al. (2014), bodily maps of emotions, and related research. The map shows where people report bodily sensation, on average; individual experience varies.