While time spent alone can be a very positive opportunity for reflection, personal growth, and creativity, in can also be dangerous if we happen to be negatively turned against ourselves. This is reflected in the difference between introspection and rumination. Introspection is a process of self- reflection, examination, and exploration, all of which are positive and healthy. Rumination, however, involves going over the same things repeatedly, and can lead to a cycle of negative thinking that can hold us back. These two different states of personal solitude can be affected by the state of our mind, and whether we are looking at ourselves fairly as ourselves or through the eyes of a critical inner voice.
Read the full article here: The Importance of Choosing Your Thoughts