Twice this week, friends explain that they listen to podcasts constantly because–among other benefits like learning new things–they also don’t want to be alone with their thoughts.
I’m fascinated! A few nights ago, I interrogated someone about the all the ways I can learn new things all day long through my podcast app. Anything I want to listen to, I can. It requires no reading and no manual work from the body. I just listen while I’m walking, folding laundry, cooking, or just brushing my teeth.
I confirm with my students: they like podcasts, especially if they have a drive, a long walk, or an evening alone.
But, I ask, what about time to think your thoughts in silence?
No! This is not good, I hear.
What makes us so afraid of our thoughts? What terrible things happen in our minds if left alone to ponder for a night or during a drive or a solitary walk?
For me, I need to be alone with my thoughts to create and synthesize what’s happened in the day.
I’m thinking about this.