What are different ways to enjoy your chosen solitude

Over the past decade, South Koreans have turned to honjok to cope with social demands and standards. These cause young individuals to marry and have children.

These ideals need men to be successful professionals who assist their group. Even with academic training and career abilities, women should prioritise family.

In this backdrop, more young South Koreans (mainly women) are eschewing macho culture and seeking seclusion. See what honjok is.

Honjok is a pun on "alone" and "tribe" meanings. Thus, “tribe of one” is translated.

The movement began in South Korea late last decade in response to gendered cultural constraints that set men and women's roles. The person actively chooses solitude to know themselves and develop their real inner world.

Honjok isolation does not carry the negative connotations of loneliness for this movement. Whoever chooses isolation prefers living alone.

Additionally, solitude has benefits:

Explore your preferences and interests in depth
Alternatives to the South Korean idea of tribe as the highest good

Feeling alone is different from being alone.
Loneliness is usually negative. We must distinguish between imposed solitude—feeling alone despite being surrounded or rejected by others—and chosen solitude—deciding to be alone to grow our inner world and enjoy life.

According to American psychologist Francie Healey, author of Honjok: The Korean Secret to Living Happily in Solitude, solitude can be used to find oneself and discover life's meaning. The author sees honjok as a path to self-awareness, despite its discomfort.

Living alone is fine provided the person chooses it carefully.

When we learn to appreciate being alone, we may experience several benefits.

Being alone helps us understand ourselves. These moments allow us to examine our strengths, weaknesses, fears, and resources.

Living alone also breeds independence. We learn to do things on our own. This assistance gives happiness and accomplishment.

Living alone helps us build self-esteem because we stop relying on others and start following our own desires. Thus, we prioritise ourselves.

Self-esteem is not arrogance. Good self-esteem means better relationships.

Francie Healey spoke with honjok students who claimed happier, more fulfilling relationships.

We cherish our own and others' individuality when we choose isolation. This is crucial for healthy partnerships.

Enhanced inventiveness
Solitude fosters creativity. Connecting with ourselves lets us express our inner reality. Such is art, writing, or music.

Solitude inspires creativity and profound emotional connection.

Even people who reject societal norms find solitude challenging. Francie Healey suggests starting small by spending a few minutes a day on simple things like breathing, creativity, and diverse habits like meditation or mindfulness.

She suggests journaling or writing down your thoughts. These help us reflect and develop self-awareness, especially when stressed or anxious.

Healey recommends making these activities a priority rather than a hobby.

Finally, remember that while relationships are important, you need time for yourself. Even inside a relationship or family.

Whether we want kids or not, we must learn to be alone. This route assures self-knowledge, self-love, and healthy relationships.

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