Solitude and company - hedgehog’s paradox and you don’t have to be local

Finding a balance between being content in solitude and enjoying the company of others can be a delicate task. It often takes trial and error to achieve. As explained in The Hedgehog's Dilemma, humans have a natural desire for both solitude and intimacy with others. Both are necessary for recharging our energy stores, which fuel our activities in life. Excessive solitude can lead to the pain of loneliness and social isolation, while constantly seeking intimacy may lead to the pain of emotional hurt caused by others.

As Derek Sivers reminds us, "You don’t have to be local." You can be global but still have an impact at a local level. You can establish your global presence through the internet, or you can choose to focus your efforts on your local community. You can also alternate between both. Both approaches require energy and the intention of seeking interactions and exchanges with others.

Overcoming the Hedgehog’s Dilemma involves transcending emotional attachments to states of solitude or intimacy with others. It means feeling neutral and content in both solitude and intimacy and letting go of egoic attachments to these states. The reality is that things may not always be as you wish them to be. You can influence variables within your control to craft reality around your desires. Anything beyond that is extraneous and can be energy-consuming if you don't pay close enough attention.