The Power of Solitude: A Yoga Therapist’s Perspective

As a yoga therapist and a single mom navigating the beautifully chaotic rhythms of life in Los Angeles, my mornings are sacred. Before the demands of the day come knocking, I carve out time for solitude and stillness. It’s my anchor, my refuge, and the foundation of my practice both as a professional and as a human being. Over the years, I’ve come to realize that this daily ritual is not a luxury but a necessity. Here’s why.

Mental Clarity in a Noisy World

In the quiet hours of the morning, I sit with my breath, my journal, and my thoughts. This stillness allows me to reflect and gain clarity. It’s a time to ask myself important questions: What truly matters today? Where am I being guided? Without the distractions of emails, texts, or to-do lists, I find a mental spaciousness that feels like a deep, refreshing breath for the soul.

Solitude also enhances problem-solving. In moments of stillness, solutions often arise naturally, like ripples fading on a pond to reveal clear water. Whether I’m navigating a challenge in my yoga therapy practice or finding creative ways to support my clients, solitude sharpens my focus and intuition.

Emotional Resilience and Connection to Self

Sitting in stillness isn’t always comfortable. There are mornings when emotions surface—grief, frustration, or the lingering residue of stress. But I’ve learned to sit with these feelings instead of running from them. Solitude creates a safe space to process and release. It’s here, in this quiet space, that I cultivate emotional resilience.

Solitude also deepens my self-awareness. Without the noise of external expectations, I can reconnect with my true feelings and motivations. It’s in these moments that I remind myself of a truth I often share with my clients: we cannot pour from an empty cup. Solitude is how I refill mine.

Nervous System Regulation

As a yoga therapist who works with nervous system regulation, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of stillness. During my morning practice, I intentionally activate my parasympathetic nervous system through breathwork and meditation. This "rest and digest" state calms my body, lowers my cortisol levels, and prepares me to meet the day with grace.

This practice is not only restorative but preventative. By beginning my day in stillness, I set the tone for how I respond to stressors. Instead of reacting, I can pause, breathe, and choose a grounded response.

A Practice Rooted in Wisdom Traditions

Solitude and stillness are woven into the fabric of many wisdom traditions. In the Yoga Sutras, we are taught to still the fluctuations of the mind (“chitta vritti nirodha”) to experience inner peace. This resonates deeply in my practice. Stillness is where I find that inner quiet, the place where my heart speaks most clearly.

Biblical teachings echo this wisdom. "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10) reminds me that stillness is not empty but full of presence and divine connection. And in Buddhist traditions, mindfulness practices guide us to be fully present with what is, free from judgment or attachment. These teachings inspire my mornings and shape the way I guide my clients.

The Ripple Effect on Relationships

One unexpected benefit of my morning solitude is how it has improved my relationships. When I give myself the gift of quiet connection each morning, I show up for others more fully. Solitude clarifies what I need from my relationships and helps me set healthier boundaries. It also fosters gratitude for the people in my life, reminding me to invest in those connections with intention.

An Invitation to Begin

If you’ve been longing for more peace in your life, I encourage you to try a practice of solitude. Start small. Maybe it’s five minutes in the morning with a cup of tea, focusing on your breath. Maybe it’s journaling, meditating, or simply sitting in silence. Whatever it looks like for you, make it yours.

Solitude and stillness are not escapes from life but tools to engage with it more fully. They are where clarity, resilience, and joy are born. As someone who has walked this path and continues to walk it every day, I promise you: it’s worth it.