Alone, Together: Exploring the Shared Experience of Solitude

"Solitude is where one discovers one is not alone."
— Marty Rubin

Why do we seek time alone?

Is it to recharge from a world that feels too loud? Is it to find depth—to think, create, or simply be with our own thoughts? Or does it sometimes feel like a retreat to safety, a simpler space away from the complexities of connection?

This gathering is a welcoming space to explore the many facets of solitude. We'll discuss the subtle but crucial difference between chosen solitude and imposed loneliness. We'll share what we discover in the quiet—be it peace, creativity, or self-understanding—and explore how our need for alone time shapes our lives and our relationships.

Whether you cherish your solitude, are cautious of it, or are simply curious about its role in your life, this conversation is for you.

Inviting all who are...

🌿 Protective of their quiet time as essential for energy and clarity (the sanctuary)
🧠 Using solitude as a workshop for ideas, creativity, or processing emotions
🛡️ Familiar with solitude as a place of safety and simplicity
🤔 Curious about the line between nourishing solitude and isolating loneliness
✨ Wanting to build a more conscious and intentional relationship with their own company

📅 Agenda / What You'll Experience

💬 Icebreaker Conversation Cards (Round 1)

We will use virtual question cards designed to help people identify their own "path" to solitude without labeling it. Here are some sample questions.

• What is an activity you only do when you're alone, and what does it give you?
• Describe your perfect, solitary "reset" day. What makes it fulfilling?
• What's the most interesting or helpful thing you've ever learned about yourself in a moment of quiet?
• Complete this sentence: "For me, the space of being alone often feels like a..." (e.g., a sanctuary, a blank page, a quiet room, a shield).

From there, we’ll embark on a respectful, engaging, and meaningful conversation, celebrating the diversity of perspectives and ideas within the group.

Note: This session may involve virtual question cards accessed via a link or QR code. If you do not have a device (phone/tablet) to access these, please ask a facilitator for assistance; we have spare units available.

💬 Spontaneous Reflective Question (Optional Round)

After warming up, our diverse group of friends and strangers will come together in a circle to exchange ideas on an intriguing topic chosen spontaneously. We may either continue with questions from the round one, or write our own questions.

Each participant is encouraged to contribute by sharing a unique question. You’re welcome to bring a question that’s been on your mind, or you can draw inspiration from the conversation cards provided. Once all the questions are collected, the group will collaboratively select one to kick off the discussion.

💬 Final Thoughts and Feedback

Where time allows, in the final 10 minutes of the event, we’ll take a moment to reflect on the key insights, memorable moments, and takeaways from our discussions. This is a chance to distill the shared wisdom and leave with a deeper understanding of the topics we’ve explored together.

After the event officially concludes, the group may choose to extend the session, depending on the group’s interest. Of course, you’re welcome to leave at any time that feels right for you.

An anonymized summary will be shared for sessions where key insights are identified. After the meeting, our facilitators and participants may reflect on the discussion and contribute to a summary or collaborative workbook based on their notes and observations. Additionally, questions may be revisited in future sessions in an anonymized manner. To explore what our events are like, you can browse some of our past meetings archived at curioussoulscafe.substack.com

📍 Location

City: Hong Kong
Address: Empire Centre, 68 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East

Inside the shopping mall of Empire Centre, there is a large open area dedicated to a café. We will sit at a round table or sofa inside (near a Hang Seng ATM or 7-Eleven store). Please look for the big words "Curious Souls Café" on our table.

If you take the MTR, the nearest station and exit will be East Tsim Sha Tsui Station (Exit P1). From there, you can walk to Empire Centre, which is just a few minutes away.

Google Maps link: maps.app.goo.gl/51Jr8qxY4q5YLQ6q7

🈚 Free of Charge

While there is no charge to attend, we kindly encourage you to support the venue by purchasing a drink and/or any items from their menu.

Note: This event is not affiliated with the restaurant, or any third-party names mentioned.

✨ What is Curious Souls Café?

Welcome to Curious Souls Café! 👋 Designed to nurture healthy curiosity and foster connections, this is a warm and friendly space for meaningful conversations. 😊 We invite you to join us for an experience filled with thought-provoking dialogue, meaningful connections, and personal growth.

We look forward to meeting you at one of our events in the future!