Alone Time

A wise, passionate account of the pleasures of traveling solo In our hectic, hyperconnected lives, many people are uncomfortable with the prospect of solitude. Yet a little time to ourselves can be an opportunity to slow down, savor, and try new things, especially when traveling. Through on-the-ground reporting, insights from social science, and recounting the experiences of artists, writers, and innovators who cherished solitude, Stephanie Rosenbloom considers how traveling alone deepens appreciation for everyday beauty, bringing into sharp relief the sights, sounds, and smells that one isn't necessarily attuned to in the presence of company. Walking through four cities--Paris, Florence, Istanbul, and New York--and four seasons, Alone Time gives us permission to pause, to relish the sensual details of the world rather than hurtling through museums and uploading photos to Instagram. In chapters about dining out, visiting museums, and pursuing knowledge, we begin to see how the moments we have to ourselves--on the road or at home--can be used to enrich our lives. Rosenbloom's engaging and elegant prose makes Alone Time as warmly intimate an account as the details of a trip shared by a beloved friend--and will have its many readers eager to set off on their own solo adventures.

How to be alone and absolutely own it, by founder of the Alonement blog and podcast, Francesca Specter. _______________ *A Times Book of the Year* 'A hugely generous and thoughtful book' - ALAIN DE BOTTON 'A kind, wise celebration of solo living' - DAISY BUCHANAN 'Thoughtful and thought provoking, it made me genuinely excited about spending time in my own company' - FELICITY CLOAKE _______________ Being alone has a serious branding issue. We've only ever had negative language to talk about flying solo - but what about when time spent alone is restorative and joyful? What if it's something you crave? What if it's even just an hour you've carved out for yourself in the middle of a hectic week? Enter: Alonement, Francesca Specter's empowering new word to express valuing your own company and dedicating quality time to yourself, whoever you are and whatever your relationship status. Between shared homes, social plans and smartphone addictions, most of us don't know how to be alone - yet our life-long relationship with ourselves is the most important one we'll ever have. A reformed 'extreme extrovert' who struggled to spend even an hour on her own, Francesca made the resolution in January 2019 to improve her solitude skills. A year later, facing months of lockdown as a household-of-one, she valued those skills more than ever - and began sharing her wisdom with others on how to cherish time alone. Packed with practical tips, insights from key experts and lessons from guests of the Alonement podcast - including Alain de Botton, Florence Given, Konnie Huq, Vick Hope and Camilla Thurlow - Francesca reveals how we can all thrive alone, whatever our circumstances, and harness the untapped power of some meaningful time with me, myself and I.

"In Paris (or anywhere else, really) a table for one can be a most delightful place." --Alone Time, as seen in The New York Times A wise, passionate account of the pleasures of traveling solo In our increasingly frantic daily lives, many people are genuinely fearful of the prospect of solitude, but time alone can be both rich and restorative, especially when travelling. Through on-the-ground reporting and recounting the experiences of artists, writers, and innovators who cherished solitude, Stephanie Rosenbloom considers how being alone as a traveller--and even in one's own city--is conducive to becoming acutely aware of the sensual details of the world--patterns, textures, colors, tastes, sounds--in ways that are difficult to do in the company of others. Alone Time is divided into four parts, each set in a different city, in a different season, in a single year. The destinations--Paris, Istanbul, Florence, New York--are all pedestrian-friendly, allowing travelers to slow down and appreciate casual pleasures instead of hurtling through museums and posting photos to Instagram. Each section spotlights a different theme associated with the joys and benefits of time alone and how it can enable people to enrich their lives--facilitating creativity, learning, self-reliance, as well as the ability to experiment and change. Rosenbloom incorporates insights from psychologists and sociologists who have studied solitude and happiness, and explores such topics as dining alone, learning to savor, discovering interests and passions, and finding or creating silent spaces. Her engaging and elegant prose makes Alone Time as warmly intimate an account as the details of a trip shared by a beloved friend--and will have its many readers eager to set off on their own solo adventures.

Being alone gives you the chance to think about yourself and your needs and goals without undue pressure, distractions or interference. The importance of personal space in a changing world. In Alone Time, clinical psychologist and professor of psychology Sybil Geldart, PhD draws on personal anecdotes, case studies, and research to help you live well despite an ever-changing world. Taking time on your own allows you to take a slower, more deliberate pace and explore inner strengths, set goals and overcome problems. Practicing solitude is an age-old part of Eastern traditions of health and well-being, and ensuring some personal space and time alone – when self-initiated – will help you live a more fulfilled life. In Alone Time, Dr. Geldart shows how solitude allows us time for self-reflection, to gain self-knowledge, and to seek a better understanding of others. Perfect for all life stages, from school-leavers and young professionals on, Alone Time includes tips, advice and exercises to help boost mental health and attain that elusive work–life balance. Dr. Geldart also shows how voluntary distancing has numerous benefits in life – from work and study to overcoming stress and anxiety, and, most of all, in being emotionally healthy and inspired to work towards a healthy and happy future.

This book is primarily a translation of Likutay Aitzoas - A Collection of Advice/remedies pertaining hisbodidus - seclusion, and alone time with the Almighty (Likutay Aitzoas is a concise summary of the lengthy teachings of Rabbi Nachman, to facilitate actualizing and fulfilling them. Rabbi Nachman himself told Rabbi Nussun to compose it), and a translation of the prayers in Likutay Tefilos - A Collection of Prayers (authored by Rabbi Nussun of Breslov, prayers to merit to fulfill and realize all the various aspects and concepts revealed by Rabbi Nachman) pertaining hisbodidus. There is an introduction which highlights the importance and fundamental value of hisbodidus, and some other extras, like a translation of what the Ramchal - Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto obm wrote about hisbodidus.Also included in this volume is the book: Rabbi Nachman of Breslov - Who He Was and What He Said, which also includes a transliteration of the Tikun Haklali.The topic of hisbodidus is addressed at much fuller length in Outpouring of the Soul, the Likutay Aitzoas - Collection of Advice-remedies presented in this book is much more concise, this has advantages, and also only this book has the prayers and other extras.Na Nach Nachma Nachman MayUman

In What A Time To Be Alone,The Slumflower will be your life guru, confidante and best friend. She’ll show you that being alone is not just okay: it’s just about the best freaking thing that’s ever happened to you. As she says, ‘You’re bad as hell and you were made with intention.’ It’s about time you realised. Peppered with insightful Igbo proverbs from Chidera’s Nigerian mother and full of her own original artwork, What A Time To Be Alone will help you navigate the modern world. We can all decide our own fates and Chidera shows us how, using a three-part approach filled with sass, wisdom and charm. Learn how to celebrate YOU – decide your self-worth, take time to heal and empower yourself in this messy world. Don’t worry about THEM – avoid other people’s demons and realise that everyone is protecting themselves from something – no matter how aggressive their method. Feel the togetherness in US – sustain and grow healthy relationships and avoid toxicity in your friendships. Own your story. Create your own narrative. Read this book. #WATTBA

52 weeks of yoga practice, wisdom, and ritual to help you slow down, restore balance, and nourish mind, body, and spirit. Sequenced by the astrological calendar, The Yoga Almanac is a practical guide to help you reintegrate with recurring cosmic rhythms, and invite the sacred into your life through learning, movement, breath, and ritual. Featuring 52 seasonally-themed chapters, the Almanac is a comprehensive jumping off point to deepen your relationship to yoga—and to yourself. Each chapter includes a seasonal theme with an overview of yogic theory, as well as an illustrated asana to begin the physical exploration of your practice. You’ll also find weekly rituals to integrate these teachings into your daily life, and a short dharma talk as reference and nod to tradition. Finally, this unique, holistic handbook will help you develop a transformational practice that flows with the cycles of the astrological year—beginning with spring and culminating in winter. Whether you’re looking for weekly inspiration, a crash course in yogic theory, or a blueprint for developing your own yoga routine, The Yoga Almanac provides a foundation for reconnecting with the deepest parts of yourself and discovering your authentic place in the world.

Charles Bukowski examines cats and his childhood in You Get So Alone at Times, a book of poetry that reveals his tender side. The iconic tortured artist/everyman delves into his youth to analyze its repercussions. “The Walt Whitman of Los Angeles.”—Joyce Carol Oates “He brought everybody down to earth, even the angels.”—Leonard Cohen, songwriter