Isolation is a blessing in disguise
This article reflects solely the personal insights of the author and should not be interpreted as medical or psychological advice. It derives from personal experiences, shared to offer inspiration and broaden perspectives, rather than instructing readers on what to think. Instead, it introduces alternative ways of thinking.
Something I have noticed after being isolated for a few years in Paris is that we live in a world of constant influence. Oddly enough, even in our sleep through nightmares and dreams. Wherever we go, there is a bombardment of advertisements, random conversations on the metro, without mentioning the prevailing opinions on the big monster: social media. This latter shapes our perceptions more and more leading to constant comparison and unrealistic expectations of ourselves and others. It’s interesting to note that some careers are even titled 'influencers', although this is neither critiqued nor praised here.
Marketing, often perceived just as another sector like agriculture or economics, actually roots deeply in human psychology. Everything that you do is the result of influence. Nobody can deny that habits are what build your character and your personality. However, Influence is the root of the habit itself. Our every action, from studying specific subjects to adopting certain habits, stems from external influences—be it from family, friends, educators, advertisements, or even mere acquaintances. Thus, influence fundamentally molds our very being. Influence carries a special powerful weight in our life and the worst is that most of us are not even aware of it.
Take a piece of paper and write down every big decision you have taken in your life. Reflecting on the reasons behind them reveals that many were shaped by others rather than by ourselves. For instance, my pursuit of mathematics was heavily influenced by my father’s association of the discipline with intelligence. This path was chosen to gain his pride rather than from a personal initial passion for the field. I guess he’s just lucky that I ended up having a great teacher who instilled in me a burning desire and curiosity about this subject. Nevertheless, many realize too late that their chosen professions do not align with their evolving identities.
It is safe to say that influence is everything. Influence is the timeless currency of our world.
On the other had, it is worth mentioning that we are all born geniuses (you can check the experiment of George Land and Beth Jarman in 1968). However, society directs our being through the educational system, the common popular beliefs, and the local marketing system. As a consequence, we lose our individuality, our uniqueness, and our internal voice. That’s where the period of self-isolation comes to save the situation.
From my chaotic experience, I have identified three phases of Self-isolation: lone survival, illumination, and independence.
The initial stage is the toughest because distancing yourself from societal interactions leads to a decrease in dopamine and oxytocin—hormones linked to happiness. This is particularly challenging for extroverts who derive energy from social interactions. This phase can be likened to the initial days of quitting sugar, where cravings and headaches intensify, making life seem unbearable. The main countermeasure is distraction. You might find yourself drawn to watching movies, engaging with shows, or scrolling on social media, but it’s crucial to remain steadfast and remind yourself that this discomfort is temporary and will ultimately lead to valuable insights. The less you succumb to distractions, the quicker you will reach enlightenment. It’s important to discipline yourself, resist the lure of immediate gratification, and spend more time in nature. The calming influence of trees on your mood and soul is profound. I even think that the existing silently should inspire an international day of silence. There’s so much talking and little listening these days…
Illumination arises when your soul is cleansed of all external influences, leading you to discover that you transcend the labels others have placed on you. You are not merely defined by your gender, parental status, educational role, or professional position. You embody an infinite, unique, creative, ambitious, imaginative, and artistic spirit. You surpass the confines of local beliefs. This is a time when you detach from the materialistic illusions of the external world.
Independance is when you accept the person you were and know who you are in the present moment and you know the person that you want to become. In other words, 'independence' is achieved when one reconciles with their past and present selves and gains clarity about their future aspirations.
Drawing from my Islamic faith, I find a profound parallel in the life of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), who felt alienated within his community Quraish and retreated into self isolation and meditation in a cave. This period of isolation was crucial before he received divine revelations through the angel Gabriel, underscoring that solitude can precede significant spiritual and personal enlightenment.
