MEANINGFUL AND MINDFUL WORDS
As part of my exploration of my Word of the Year "Mindful" I've come across a few terms recently that have caught my eye. They're words that have depth and meaning to them that carries a little "something" that I'd like to incorporate into my own life. I've chosen five to explore further over March - which is going to be my month of meaningful, mindful reflection.
The first of these words that caught my eye is Eremition - a word I'd never heard before, but one that resonated and gives me a description of how life has been for me over the last few years....
WHAT DOES EREMITION ACTUALLY MEAN?
Eremition (n.)
- Meaning:
A going into solitude; withdrawal from society.
Eremition refers to the intentional, often gradual, act of withdrawing from society to seek solitude, reflection, and personal renewal. It feels like an intentional drawing inwards to recalibrate and re-centre before stepping back into the busy, noisy, distracting world around us.
It's not the same as the isolation we were forced into during the pandemic, rather it focuses on self-care, mental health, and can even feel like a spiritual or creative rejuvenation. It involves "going inward" to restore yourself, in a peaceful, quiet way - almost a monastic retreat. It's a deliberate, proactive choice to pause, heal, and find clarity.
- Meaning:
A going into solitude; withdrawal from society.
Eremition refers to the intentional, often gradual, act of withdrawing from society to seek solitude, reflection, and personal renewal. It feels like an intentional drawing inwards to recalibrate and re-centre before stepping back into the busy, noisy, distracting world around us.
It's not the same as the isolation we were forced into during the pandemic, rather it focuses on self-care, mental health, and can even feel like a spiritual or creative rejuvenation. It involves "going inward" to restore yourself, in a peaceful, quiet way - almost a monastic retreat. It's a deliberate, proactive choice to pause, heal, and find clarity.
WITHDRAWING FOR A REASON
Mellissa McHargh on (LinkedIn) describes eremition as a deliberate withdrawal from society—not out of resentment or hostility, but as a means of seeking peace, solitude, and personal renewal. This aligns with traditional hermitic practices, where individuals retreat from the world for spiritual, mental, or emotional restoration.
It carries a more intentional and positive connotation compared to isolation due to alienation or bitterness.
It is a word we could use in discussions about self-care, mental health, and spirituality. It captures a concept that is distinct from isolation or reclusion—it's not about avoiding people out of fear or resentment but about seeking solitude for inner peace and renewal.
WAYS TO PUT EREMITION INTO PRACTICE
1. Personal Growth & Mental Health – There are times when we need to "journey inward" for a while and just observe our life. If we're feeling a little bombarded or overwhelmed by too much social interaction, we can use eremition as an intentional break from a busy social life to recharge, like taking a digital detox.
2. Spirituality & Philosophy – Taking a Sabbatical to quieten your mind and heart, stepping back from all the daily demands for a short time and using that space to renew your spirit through journalling, reading the bible, listening to a curated podcast feed, or just spending a some time in your own headspace quietening the noise.
3. Creative & Academic – Allocating some alone time for your favourite creative pastime (mine's collage), or studying a language, researching an interest, or quiet reading. Just doing your own thing in your own space - positive alone time.
4. Silence and Solitude – Staying in the quiet of your own home, slowing down your pace, having a Do-Nothing Day, learning to enjoy your own company rather than seeking social distraction. Taking some time aside to quietly re-set yourself for the rest of the week.
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
Does the idea of taking some time for solitude and seeking a regular re-set appeal? Is it something that you find you're doing more of in the second half of life, or are you still thriving in the social swirl?
BEFORE YOU GO:
If you'd like to know when I write a new post, please click HERE for email updates.
If you'd like to comment but not here on the blog, feel free to email me at
leanne.crestingthehill@gmail.com - I'd love to hear from you.
And please share this post by clicking on a share button before you go.
An awesome word, Leanne, and you have a gift with words. First time for me, too, “Eremition”
ReplyDeleteEspecially, seeking solitude. I ‘get it.’ When I was in a career with a great deal of close contact with people, I would tell my husband I want to go to a monastery for our yearly vacation. Your #4 is still a highlight for me, even when I am no longer in close contact with people every day. I suspect you also 'get it' when we were in the same career. Love this word, Leanne! I will try and incorporate Emerition into my daily conversation and life. xx Erica