Solitude
(Topic of Student's Choosing)
When we discussed The Space Trilogy during class, the term
solitude came up. Once the term solitude was brought up, a discussion about the
differences between solitude and being lonely began. I have never really
thought about the differences between the two terms. I believe that solitude is
a choice one makes when they want to escape the world. I also believe that
loneliness is not a choice, and it is a negative feeling when experienced. As
the class discussed the differences between the two terms, a memory of mine
emerged. I have been going to Mammoth Lakes, California every year since I was
nine. We always go on hikes and a few years ago we discovered a natural
waterslide cut into one of the mountains in Yosemite National Park. This waterslide
is a local secret and there is no pathway to get to it. This is a very
challenging hike, because the way down to the slide is very steep. It is also
challenging because there are no paths, so it is easy to get lost. After
spending the afternoon at the waterslide the group of people I was with decided
it was time to head back. I decided to head back with my friend Chase, because
both of us were faster compared to the adults we were with. The adults took a
long time to get back up the mountain because it was so steep. Chase and I
started off together but I became winded and told him to go ahead and that I
would catch up with him soon.
After
I took a little break to catch my breath, I started walking back towards the
direction where the car was parked. It is about an hour and a half hike to get
back to the car. I started walking and calling for Chase but there was no
response. I soon realized that I was alone… very alone. Chase and the others
were nowhere to be found. This is probably the only time I have experienced
solitude. I enjoyed being alone at first because it was nice to take my time
hiking back. It gave me time to think and to experience true silence that can
only be found in nature. About thirty minuets later I quickly realized that I
was starting to get lonely. I still had not seen any other humans and there is
no cell phone service in the middle of Yosemite. There also was the added fear
of bears attacking me because a few weeks earlier we had done the hike and seen
bears. I luckily stayed calm enough so that my rational side could take over. I
stopped hiking and started to climb to up the side of a mountain. Once I got to
the highest point I started searching for anyone from my group… or any other
human at all. A few minuets later I saw my dad’s orange hat far below. I have
never been so relieved. I shouted down to my father and the other adults in my
group and climbed down to meet them.
I
have not thought about this hike in a long time, but our discussion on solitude
and loneliness made this memory emerge. This was really the only time I have
exercised true solitude in my life. In Out
of The Silent Planet, Ransom experienced solitude similar to mine when he
was hiking to Augray’s house in the mountains. I can now appreciate the solitude
that I briefly experienced, even though it quickly turned into loneliness. The
fear I had over getting lost on this hike has now turned into a memory that I
can reflect on and be thankful for because it is rare to experience being
completely alone with nature.
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