Places to Find Solitude

The Beach

• If you live near a beach, consider heading to the shore when you want to kick back and relax. The sound of crashing waves, the ocean breeze and warm sand beneath your toes can imbue feelings of relaxation and provide a nice scene for meditation and deep thought.

  If the beach you live near is often crowded, consider heading there at sunrise, especially during the week, to avoid crowds. If there are still people around at that time, walk down the beach until no or few people are in sight.

  If you don't live near a beach at all, consider taking a weekend trip to the nearest one.

Travel to a Distant Land

• Consider taking a trip by yourself to a place you've never explored before. The Pitcairn Islands and Greenland are reputed to be two destinations that provide their visitors with plenty of space to be by themselves.

  Three of the Pitcairn Islands are not inhabited, and the fourth has only about 50 people living on the island. Greenland has the world's lowest average population density, according to The New York Times, and is filled with remote areas to which few people travel.

  If those options sound a bit extreme, don't fret. The key to seeking solitude is to try to find places in any town, city, or island that provide peaceful options for being alone.

Finding Solitude in Your Town

• Sometimes the best places to go to find solitude can be right around the corner. If it's not in your budget to make a quick getaway to a remote island or semi-inhabited land, consider taking a walk to the local museum and find a quiet corner inside to sit and reflect.

  Or, try heading to a nearby park at dawn, grabbing a seat on a park bench and taking in the nature around you.

  Solitude can even be found in your own home. If you have a big backyard and no one is home but you, take a walk around outside and reflect. If you don't have a backyard, find some time just to be alone in your house. Choose a room to transform into a quiet, peaceful place by dimming the lights and lighting some candles, or just settling in a room with plenty of daylight and try meditating. These are just a couple ideas; be creative to think of others.