There is no doubt that social distancing due to COVID-19 has been isolating for many people worldwide. In these difficult times, some individuals have found themselves experiencing intense loneliness, which can negatively affect their mental health. Queer solitude, however, offers an alternative perspective that provides space for personal growth and self-reflection. Queer solitude refers to the experience of being alone but not necessarily lonely because one's identity does not depend on social connections. It involves cultivating a sense of autonomy, resilience, creativity, and resourcefulness while also fostering an appreciation for one's own company.
Queer solitude can be used as a site for ethical cultivation by focusing on values such as kindness, compassion, and empathy towards oneself and others. This can involve practicing mindfulness meditation, volunteering, or engaging in meaningful hobbies that allow one to connect with the wider community. By developing a strong sense of self and purpose, queer solitude can provide opportunities for ethical development and decision-making.
Relational insight is another aspect of queer solitude that involves reflecting on past relationships and learning from them. This includes examining patterns of behavior, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and setting goals for future interactions.
Someone might reflect on why previous relationships failed and work towards improving communication skills or boundaries in new relationships. By understanding how past relationships shaped one's current state of mind, queer solitude can offer valuable insights into personal growth and transformation.
Existential reflection involves thinking deeply about one's existence and purpose. Through this process, individuals may discover their core values, desires, and fears. They may also contemplate mortality and what it means to live a fulfilling life. By exploring these questions through introspection and self-reflection, queer solitude offers a space for existential inquiry and discovery.
Queer solitude can serve as a site for ethical cultivation, relational insight, and existential reflection. By embracing isolation and using it as an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery, individuals can find meaning and joy in times of loneliness.