You might feel like withdrawing from the world and forgoing your usual activities in order to spend time alone. Being by yourself and taking care of your own needs can be a really healthy way to assess what is going on in your life and how to cope with it. Perhaps you can quietly sit in meditation for a few minutes contemplating what it means for you to be in the world and what aspects of the world may cause you to feel like retreating from it. Understanding the things that may not feel so comfortable for you may give you insight into how you perceive the world and your role in it. This may strengthen your ability to interact with others in a positive, energizing, and healing way.

Time alone is a gift. So often we spend time being with other people -- sometimes listening to their needs and problems more than our own. But it is more important to take time out and pay attention to what we really want. Having this kind of quiet in our lives means that we are committed to create space to take care of ourselves. This is not alienating but rather nurturing ourselves so that we can be a more positive force in the world. Making time to become attuned to your own needs, desires, and hopes will make the time you do spend with others so much more meaningful today.