Technology amazes me (not necessarily that I am tech savvy?!). For example, there are wireless earphones that have the ability to cancel noise; several brands are readily available in the market today. Should I choose to zone out amongst the noisy crowd, I can grab such device. Thanks to technology.
The technology, known as active noise-cancellation (ANC), works by using microphones to pick up low-frequency noise and neutralize it before it reaches the ear. The headset generates a sound that’s phase-inverted by 180 degrees to the unwanted noise, resulting in the two sounds cancelling each other out.1
Believe it or not! I am an introvert by nature. Simply, I have learned and adapted to be sociable since I lead people. Psychologist even coined a term for it: Ambivert.2 But left to myself, I would rather be alone enjoying, dissecting a book.
Solitude as defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary is the quality or state of being alone or remote from society : SECLUSION.3 Solitude comes from the Latin word solitudinem, which means “loneliness,” but if you have moments of solitude that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re lonely. The word solitude carries the sense that you’re enjoying being alone by choice.4
With the social quarantine dictated by government, we are forced to be isolated from people. What does one do in such times? Surely, there are things beyond our control that we need to accept.
More so, could it be that God may be calling our attention? Martha called Jesus’ attention to Mary’s seemingly unconcern for the guest preparations; to which, Jesus reminded Martha that Mary made the better choice.5 Jesus would encourage his disciples to draw away from the crowd to rest.6 He would be found early in the morning, while it was still dark, praying;7 he admonished his disciples to ask for guidance from his Father;8 and he revealed the key to rest.9
Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. By myself I have sworn; from my mouth has gone out in righteousness a word that shall not return: “To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance.”10
Notes:
1. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/mar/16/noise-cancelling-headphones-sound-modern-life
2. https://www.scienceofpeople.com/ambivert/
3. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solitude
4. https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/solitude
5. Luke 10:38-42
6. Mark 6:30-31
7. Mark 1:35-37
8. Matthew 7:7-11
9. Matthew 11:28-30
10. Isaiah 46:22-23
