Earlier this month I had a day off of work and went into NYC to visit the Neue Galerie. I wanted to see Klimt’s Woman in Gold (if you must know!). It was such a nice, peaceful outing. The museum is beautiful and interesting, and small enough that you can take it all in in one relaxed visit. I spent about 90 minutes wandering around with the companionship of my audio guide.
I like to go on these kinds of solo outings every so often, usually to museums or similar places that are easily enjoyed in peace and quiet. I find that being alone helps me to be mindful of where I am and what I’m seeing. Sometimes it’s nice to move at my own pace and have the freedom to operate on whim. Art museums are actually the perfect place to go on your own. They’re indoors, quiet, frequented by solo visitors, and the kind of place where it’s easy to let your mind (and yourself) wander. My favorite is the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
I’ve discovered that spending stretches of time in public, alone, and confidently is a skill like any other, developed and honed with practice. I’m grateful to have reached a place where I feel comfortable and happy in my own company. In her book Head to Heart: What To Know Before Dating and Marriage, Gila Manolson discusses the importance of having a strong sense of autonomy before pursuing a long-term relationship:
“Autonomy means seeing yourself as a self-directed person of independent value. If you’re autonomous, you know who you are, stand on your own two feet, and go where you want to go…An autonomous person deeply desires to share his or her life with another, but is solid as an individual.”
I’ve read her book several times and I think the above passage made the greatest impression on me. I’ve worked on being okay with doing things that make me happy without relying on others to keep me company.
Do you enjoy solo outings?
(Photo credit: The Neue Galerie) This post includes an affiliate link. That means I’ll earn a (very small) percentage of any Amazon purchases made through the link, at no cost to you. Thank you!
