Isolation: A Weird Heat Companion

As my previous few pieces on different concepts have evolved, the prevailing theme which continually bubbles up is how those concepts affect the creative process. So now, I am looking at how isolation fits into this creative mold.

Human beings are, by nature, social animals. We like being around others. We like sharing experiences. We like building connections. In fact, at nearly every stage of our lives, finding friends or a partner is a primary goal. There is a sense of comfort in surrounding ourselves with friends and family.

But at times, being alone is just as important. When we are alone with nothing but our thoughts, we are free to explore new ideas. Being alone also allows a person to fully be themselves. You do not need to affect a personality or sensibility to match up with another person. This independence can be highly important to the creative process. By not having a social connection present, we do not have to perform and can behave how we like.

The other important part of isolation is that it is an inherently judgement-free space to work. The only criticism you have when you are alone is, of course, yourself. This means you are free to work on something to the exact specifications you desire. At the same time, however, isolation can lead to reluctance when it finally comes time to share your creativity with others. Dare I say, isolation can become insulation?...

Everyone’s definition of isolation is a bit different. When I am alone, I like to surround myself with a lot--music, a book, a game, my laptop. In effect, this raises the question of whether or not I truly am isolated. Sure, I may be isolated from people in the same physical space, but I may not be separated from connection at any time. In such a case, isolation has become harder to achieve as technology advances. This form of pseudo-isolation also influences thoughts and ideas in other ways than if we were totally alone. Despite this exterior influence, however, it is the type of isolation that best helps my work.

To each their own, your sense of isolation is what you make of it. We shape our quiet moments of aloneness in the ways to work best for us. Even though most people primarily require human contact, it is difficult to deny the importance of solitude. Some of our most creative output can come from reflective moments in isolation.