The Importance of Solitude: Reconnecting With Your Inner Self
Our lives are so inundated with communication it’s overwhelming – text messages, emails, phone calls, the internet. And we’ve read a million articles reminding us how addicted we are to these things, yet it’s difficult to free ourselves from the clutches of these distractions. Maybe, it’s time to consider the benefits of solitude and carve out time to isolate ourselves from the interminable notifications of our interconnected world.
Sitting with One’s Thoughts: A Shocking Statistic
In 2014, a study published in the journal Science found that most people would rather shock themselves than sit undisturbed with their thoughts. Even after experiencing the shock before the trial and saying they would pay money not to be shocked again, 25 percent of women and 67 percent of men chose to shock themselves while sitting alone for 15 minutes. One of the participants even decided to shock himself 190 times in that period, but that person’s masochism is beside the point.
Unsurprisingly, results showed the majority of subjects did not enjoy their time sitting alone and being asked to simply think. Half of these participants rated their experience at, or below, a level of “somewhat enjoyable,” while most ranked it highly on a boredom scale.
Why is it so difficult for us to go inward and block out external stimuli? One theory claims it’s an evolutionary survival mechanism. Known as the Scanner Hypothesis, some researchers believe that as mammals we’ve evolved to monitor our environments for both danger and opportunity. Therefore, our brains consider doing nothing a waste of time.
But we evolved to be more than mere mammals behaving on natural instinct, or at least we have the ability to transcend those instincts if we consciously choose to do so. That’s what separates man from beast, right?
Unfortunately, our lives aren’t always conducive to the ascetic lifestyle, and taking a sabbatical to go live like a certain civilly disobedient poet at Walden Pond isn’t always in the cards. So, what can the average person do to escape the torpor of our stimulus saturated society?
Unplugging from Technology
How many times have you been waiting in line at the store, or sitting in a waiting room scrolling through social media before realizing you’ve retained almost nothing you just consumed? Think about it next time you’re casually scrolling through Facebook or Instagram, try to remember what you saw five posts ago – our mindless consumption is scary sometimes.
Alas, we must stay connected — we’re expected to. But if we devote an entire hour every day to rid ourselves of those connections, the psychological benefits may be pleasantly surprising.
The next step is to sit alone with your monkey mind, as the Buddhists refer to it, and go inward. Not so shockingly, the minority of subjects in the aforementioned study who enjoyed spending 15 minutes doing nothing, often had experience with meditation. Learning to accept the endless flow of thoughts and opinions crowding our minds is the first hurdle of meditation and mindfulness, and it’s not easy. But there’s no learning or achievement in anything easy. The work is in the pain and struggle; that’s the only way to grow and accomplish anything in life.
Sensory Deprivation Tanks a.k.a. Isolation Tanks
John C. Lilly invented the sensory deprivation tank in 1954 in an attempt to isolate the mind from all external stimuli. Lilly was interested in studying the depths of our psyche, and throughout his life frequently transcended numerous realms of consciousness. He even devised a scale for it based on the Buddhist enlightenment concept of Satori.
Today, sensory deprivation tanks have seen an explosion in popularity, especially over the past decade. Filled with hundreds of pounds of salt, these tanks allow for maximum buoyancy and are typically pitch black. Users experience disorienting weightlessness, where physical sensation disappears, leaving only the mind.
Most find float tanks pleasant and therapeutic; an environment for introspection, meditation, and tranquility. This abandonment of all sensory perception can lead to psychedelic experiences and profound personal insight. And floating around in a dark tub of water prohibits technological distraction, forcing the confrontation of the monkey mind.
Retreats and Isolation from Society
Those in need of a life-changing event or paradigm shift may need to devote a little more effort to finding solitude. Silent retreats are one way to disconnect from the world and they’ve become increasingly popular with the rise of Eastern spiritual practices in the Western world. Participants in these retreats take a vow of silence for days or weeks in order to go inward, while also cultivating self-discipline.
Jesse Itzler took the isolation retreat to the next level by temporarily living in a monastery in upstate New York. Itzler’s goal was to radically disconnect himself from the chaos of modern society and his fast-paced life as a successful entrepreneur. So, he spent two weeks living among a group of Russian Orthodox monks who spent much of their day in silent contemplation.
On his first night at 6:00 p.m., Itzler was brought to a modest room called a cell, with nothing but a desk and a bed. He was told to be ready the following day for prayer, meditation, and reflection at 7:15 a.m. Asking what he was supposed to do in the 13 hours until then, he was simply told to think.
Itzler had some experience with meditation, so to assuage his initial anxiety and boredom, he did so. After closing his eyes and attempting to silence his mind, Itzler believed he had meditated for hours until he looked at his watch and realized only three-and-a-half minutes had elapsed. Thus, began the longest two weeks of his life. In the end, he said the disconnection from society changed him for the better and improved personal relationships with his wife, family, and friends. But it wasn’t easy.
No matter which method is best for you, the scientific benefits of solitude and disconnection from the world are countless. Solitude is proven to boost productivity, build mental acuity, increase empathy, and harbor creativity. So, whether you decide to commit an hour, day, week, or even months to finding your solitude and reconnecting with your inner self… do it, especially if it’s difficult.
Watch Hide Away, a movie telling the story of a successful, but emotionally drained businessman who finds solitude on a journey into the refuge of nature:
About the Author
Who Is Matias De Stefano and What Is His Mission?
Matías De Stefano, born in Argentina and recognized as an indigo child from an early age, has become an influential educator of planetary consciousness with a mission that transcends cultural and spiritual boundaries. In this article, we explore his journey from his earliest childhood memories to his travels around the world—each marked by deep revelations and the activation of ancient energy networks.
Table of Contents
- Origins and Awakening of an Indigo Child
- Adolescence and the Path to Consciousness
- Harwitum: The Journey from North to South
- 11/11/11: A Transformational Milestone
- Roma Amor: The Journey to Reconnect the Energy Grid
- The Path of the Dragon: Activation of Leylines
- Iam: An Exploration of Universal Connection
- Gaia and the Expansion of His Message
- Matías De Stefano and His Future Projects
Origins and Awakening of an Indigo Child
From a very young age, Matías De Stefano was recognized as an indigo child, characterized by a heightened perception and an innate connection to spiritual knowledge. He grew up in Venado Tuerto, Argentina, where at just three years old, he began recalling details of past lives and the spiritual structure of the universe, sharing these visions with those around him.
As a child, Matías not only displayed an unusual maturity for his age but also had an exceptional ability to explain complex concepts about energy and the cosmos in an accessible way. These abilities became the foundation of his future mission, preparing him for a meaningful role in bridging ancestral spiritual traditions with modern quests for meaning and unity.
Adolescence and the Path to Consciousness
During his teenage years, he moved to Spain, where he continued his secondary education. This period abroad allowed him to explore new cultures and philosophies, broadening his worldview and deepening his understanding of the spiritual connections he had begun to explore since childhood.
After finishing high school, Matías enrolled in university with the intention of becoming a teacher, specializing in Education. Although he did not complete his degree, this phase was crucial for his spiritual and professional development. During those years, Matías deepened his study of spiritual dynamics and began outlining what would later become his most important projects.
It was during this time that he began to develop the idea for the Harwitum project and the organization of the 11/11/11 event, which would later mark the beginning of his global influence in the spiritual realm.
Harwitum: The Journey from North to South
The journey known as Harwitum began in 2011 and was an ambitious project that took Matías around the world, activating and reconnecting ancient energy lines that link sacred sites of spiritual and natural power. This north-to-south path aimed not only to revitalize Earth’s energy nodes but also to demonstrate the interconnectedness of all energetic points on the planet—from the pyramids of Egypt to the stone circles of Stonehenge.
During his Harwitum project, Matías visited key locations that represent the Earth’s energy nodes. In each place, he carried out ceremonies to revitalize these energetic connections, focusing on the reactivation of their spiritual and physical potentials.
This journey culminated in Antarctica, where he conducted a symbolic ceremony during the December solstice of 2012. This event not only marked the beginning of a new era in planetary consciousness—aligned with ancient Mayan prophecies—but also coincided with the creation of the Arsayian Foundation. This organization was founded to continue and give structure to the initiatives that began with Harwitum, aiming to expand and sustain the awakening of consciousness and the reorganization of social systems in harmony with the principles of Ater Tumti.
11/11/11: A Transformational Milestone
November 11, 2011, marked a key milestone in the trajectory of Matías De Stefano with the organization of a global event for meditation and the celebration of unified consciousness, held in Capilla del Monte, Argentina. This event, aligned with the numerology of 11/11/11, symbolized the opening to new dimensions of perception and served as a catalyst for the collective awakening of humanity. On that day, Matías coordinated ceremonies combining rituals and visualization practices focused on strengthening the global energetic network and raising the vibration of the worldwide community.
The impact of the event exceeded expectations, initiating a cycle of annual gatherings aimed at maintaining and expanding the energy generated on that day. The global resonance of this date not only reaffirmed Matías’s role in the consciousness movement but also strengthened his network of collaborators and followers around the world.
In the series The Journey of Remembering, available on Gaia, Matías De Stefano shares firsthand the key moments of his spiritual path, including the preparation and profound meaning of the 11/11/11 event. This docuseries offers an intimate and authentic view into the experiences that marked the beginning of his global impact on collective consciousness.
Roma Amor: The Journey to Reconnect the Energy Grid
Following the 11/11/11 event, Matías dedicated himself to the Roma Amor project in the historic city of Rome. This initiative was designed to strengthen and reactivate spiritual and cultural energy nodes through a series of activities that integrated ancestral knowledge with modern perspectives. In Rome—a place of significant spiritual and cultural importance—meditations, talks, and gatherings with both local and international figures were held, culminating in public events that attracted global attention.
One of the most remarkable moments was the encounter between Matías and Pope Francis, symbolizing the union of diverse spiritual and cultural currents. This meeting highlighted the importance of fostering interreligious dialogue and global cooperation. It reinforced the relevance of Matías’s mission on an international scale, showcasing his ability to connect ancient traditions with contemporary approaches to spirituality and peace.
The Path of the Dragon: Activation of Leylines
The Path of the Dragon was one of Matías De Stefano’s most emblematic expeditions, tracing a vibrant route across Asia and into the British Isles. Inspired by the form of a dragon—a classic symbol of wisdom and power—this route was intended to revitalize the “leylines”, invisible energy channels that, according to various traditions, cross and connect sacred sites around the world. This journey took Matías from the energetic Silk Road to temples in Bhutan, the vast landscapes of Mongolia, and the mysterious hills of Wales.
At each stop, Matías and his team performed carefully designed rituals to “awaken” and strengthen these energy channels, aiming to harmonize the spiritual and natural energies of each location. By activating these leylines, their goal was not only to rejuvenate ancient sites but also to deepen global understanding of how different cultures connect to and honor the Earth.
By documenting and sharing his journey, Matías inspired a growing number of followers to explore a deeper understanding of their own lives and their connection to the higher self. As he recounted his experiences and knowledge about the planet’s spiritual and energetic networks, he enriched his audience’s perspective, providing meaningful context for his program Iam.
Iam: An Exploration of Universal Connection
Iam is an initiative designed to help individuals reconnect with their essential origin and understand the interconnection of all forms of life. This project proposes an introspective journey, in which participants discover how, through multiple existences and experiences, we all emerge from a single source: the I Am. This concept reflects the belief that each human being is part of a greater whole—a “We Are” that, scattered throughout the universe, seeks to reunite and remember its common origin.
At the heart of Iam lies the desire to restore harmony between the dispersed parts of our consciousness. Using a blend of digital technology, in-person gatherings, and multimedia learning experiences, the project facilitates the reconnection of individuals with their ancestral stories and cosmic roles.
Each activity and gathering within Iam is designed to awaken ancestral memory, allowing individuals to see how their personal lives are interwoven with the broader fabric of history and the cosmos. This reconnection with one’s spiritual self not only aims to provide clarity and personal purpose but also encourages participants to contribute actively to building a more conscious and connected society.
Gaia and the Expansion of His Message
Through his series on Gaia, Matías De Stefano has expanded his reach, bringing his message to a global audience. In Initiation viewers explore ancient spiritual knowledge and rituals, gaining access to ancestral wisdom and understanding its relevance in the modern world. The series enriches viewers’ perception of our connection with the cosmos.
The Journey of Remembering offers a more personal perspective on Matías’s experiences and teachings. Through this production, viewers have the opportunity to witness his spiritual revelations and transformative moments, inspiring them to explore and deepen their own spiritual path.
Matías De Stefano and His Future Projects
Through various initiatives and collaborations, Matías De Stefano continues to expand his vision for the future, bringing his teachings on planetary consciousness and spiritual evolution to a global audience. His project Ontocracy, for example, explores new models of governance based on self-regulation and autonomy, inspired by biological systems that function without centralized authority. This revolutionary approach proposes a radical shift in how communities can organize and manage themselves, reflecting a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness among all living beings.
In addition, Matías continues with his series Iam, which guides individuals on the path toward their higher self, showing how they can deeply connect with themselves and co-create their reality. This project not only supports personal transformation but also aims to generate collective impact, encouraging participants to help shape a new civilization grounded in harmony and universal balance. With these projects, Matías not only envisions a more enlightened future but actively works toward making it a reality.
