Withdrawing and Secretly Enjoying It?

A Conscious Reallocation of Energy

Have your enjoyed stepping aside from the busyness? Maybe you have felt that this is something to keep quiet about because it suggests that something is “wrong” with you. Maybe you felt guilty about declining invitations even if you really did not want to go.



In a world that frequently demands our , we're often conditioned to believe that keeping up with expectations (both those of others and ours) is what we're supposed to do. But what if the urge to withdraw from meeting expectations isn't a failure, but a profound indicator of spiritual growth and maturity? What if it is a realization about the preciousness of the time that you have? 



This isn't about becoming a recluse or shunning others; it's a validation of a fundamental shift in the inner landscape. As we mature, our priorities naturally change. The frantic energy of youth, driven by the need for validation, upgrading relationships, belonging, and external stimulation, begins to settle. The pursuits that once seemed paramount—attending every event, chasing fleeting trends, being led by the nose by our hormones—start to lose their grip on us.



This shift is a powerful sign that we're moving from an outward-focused existence to an inward-focused one. We've begun to recognize that our sense of self is not defined by what we do or the validation of others, but by the depth and quality of our own being. The need to constantly "be seen" diminishes as we discover the quiet sanctuary within ourselves. Simple acts of daily life —making a cup of tea, tending to a garden, or preparing a meal—are precious moments in the everyday.



Withdrawing from unfulfilling social interaction is not about becoming a hermit. You might still enjoy lunch with a friend, time spent with your partner, a day with the kids or grandkids, a group hike, dinner out; it's about a conscious reallocation of energy. It's about understanding that our worth is not dependent on how many friends we have or how much we please others, but by the depth of our inner life.



Here’s what this spiritual maturity looks like in practice:

• Valuing Solitude: The fear of being alone dissolves, replaced by a deep appreciation for solitude. Time spent in quiet reflection, a solitary walk in nature, or simply sitting in silence becomes a source of replenishment and peace, not loneliness.

• Discernment in Connection: We become more selective about who we spend our time with. Quality connection replaces quantity. We seek out and treasure relationships that are nourishing, authentic, and mutually supportive, rather than just filling a void. We don't just settle. 

• Internal Validation: We no longer rely on external praise or social approval to feel worthy. Our self-worth is rooted in our own integrity, values, and inner peace. We find our strength not in the applause of others, but in the quiet confidence of our own spirit.

• A Shift in Energy: Our energy is no longer scattered in a dozen different directions. Instead, it's channeled into what truly matters: deep personal work, creative pursuits, meaningful relationships, and a mindful engagement with the simple moments of life . So, if you find yourself naturally pulling back from a whirl of interactions, don't assume it is a sign of decline, old age, or social fatigue. Instead, recognize it for what it might be: a beautiful and powerful indication of spiritual growth, not a loss of connection with the world. You are actually deepening your connection with the world in a meaningful way by first coming home to yourself and now interacting consciously with the outer world at choice from the place of your true being. That’s living!