Dear Friends: I'm delighted you decided to re-publish this article—thank you! Just so everyone knows, this piece originally appeared in Change Magazine's Sept./Oct. 1987 issue—almost 30 years ago! I[m glad it still has relevance, but a few of its references are a tad dated, and the time line of my own vocational journey is all out of whack! Thanks again—I love the Daily Good! Warm best, Parker Palmer http://www.facebook.com/par...

Solitude is a vital part of my life, too, though I'm very happily married, have a deeply rewarding career as a musician and have more very good friends than I can easily count. I have always spent time alone and cherished that time with all my body, heart, mind and spirit. In fact, I wouldn't be where I am today without having had that vital time to myself. I do have a happy life, full of meaningful moments- and moments that just *are* without any need for qualification. Best of all, my husband and closest friends all understand the need for solitude, take the time for themselves and don't begrudge others for doing the same.

I think this article is more written for those people who have no idea that they are lonely, who don't know how NOT to build walls and create divisions and who use these skills to their detriment rather than to their benefit.

Thank you for your post. I thought it was beautiful.