The Challenge of True Solitude
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- Опубликовано: 2 янв 2018
- “You have to be at peace with the fact that something might happen, and you might not make it through,” says Alexandra de Steiguer, the caretaker for the Oceanic Hotel, in Brian Bolster’s short documentary, "Winter’s Watch." De Steiguer has spent the past 19 winters tending to the 43-acre grounds of the hotel, on Star Island, which sits 10 miles off the coast of New England. In the long, wintry off-season, she is the island’s sole inhabitant.
For more information on the film, visit The Atlantic: www.theatlantic.com/video/ind...
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The difference between solitude and loneliness is a state of mind.
Scott Gibson
Spot on.
The difference between glibness and wisdom is experience.
Solitary loniness :(
loneliness is longing,..solitude is solid prescence,
no it's not , it's scientifically proven humans need social interaction for brain development. this woman probably has a ton of allucinations all around winter
This moved me. I think life is beautifully sad and it tears me up. I always thought of solitude as a great space for imagination and exploration. And then one day I’ve met someone who was better than my solitude but who I couldn’t be with. My solitude then turned into an eternal loneliness.
And if you look real close shes in one of the ballroom photos from the 20's
Hahahaa... I was thinking this!
Here too!!! Heeeeeres Johnny!!!!! 😂
ive never seen a doc shot only with stationary shots, it was actually interesting and added to the "still and isolation" feel to the film. great work
Great observation
I almost thought she made this movie all by herself.
This documentary really touched me as someone who’s divided about solitude. I enjoyed it, and often need it, but it has made me suffer many times. Beautifully shot, elegantly edited. Documentaries like this one are hard to come across in places like RUclips.
@ Fernando Esté: Hi, Fernando! What other websites you recommend for good, high quality documentaries, covering a variety of topics?
Viktor Medina hi, Viktor. I’d say that the site with the most documentary shorts is Vimeo. I always discover beautiful, entertaining, informative and often independent documentaries there. If you’re looking for feature documentaries, Netflix is investing a lot in this genre and with a lot of good results!
@ Fernando Esté: Thank you so much, Fernando! I'll make sure to check Vimeo, and Netflix has a new customer for sure. Really appreciate it, my friend! Take care.
It's not often I see thoughtful, considered and intelligent comments on RUclips like yours... Thankyou for restoring some hope.
check out this yt channel: great big story
Loneliness - overthinking
Solitude - decision
Isolation - prevention
When she needs to pass on her duty as a caretaker, I’m open. I’d love to be out there alone. This is a dream for me
How odd, with the virus now, we are all much more aware of her situation.
Me too
Solitude is many people’s fear including mine. I would like to accept the fact that I might end up being alone, without having any fear. This video is really inspiring and helpful.
I didn't start out as, but have become a solitary man. I find no shame or hindrance in it, and am quite loathe to relinquish it.
It has become a journey to not better understand mankind, but myself. Thank you for your post, it's appreciated!
I watch this about every six months. Each time I view it, I find another perspective I had not heard before.
If there was a piano in that place I would spend my time learning all of Bach's Goldberg Variations. Technology has made it difficult for us to sit quietly. People fidget without their devices. I especially loved her comments about how the buildings themselves have been witnesses to all that has come and gone...
There is one. :-) (Two, actually -- one in the main lobby, and one in the parlour.)
A lot like some of Virginia Woolf's writing
Get rid of the devices if it does that to you. Not all people have them and no one needs them They do much more harm than good! I dont have any, this is a 90's desk top and not even mine!
@@michaelcraig9449 I have, and I am an oddity on the when I'm on the subway. Almost everyone is looking at their DEvice...get it...? I just watch people, see the cast of characters who get on and off, it's non stop entertainment. I often construct stories about people based on their dress and physiognomy. Ok, gotta go work on Variation 14 now...
Play them like Glenn gould my man
you don't need to go to an island for solitude there are people that are surrounded by millions of other people that are completely alone
Yes ..but the problem is that I can see them and hear them
FSEVENMAN lonliness finds u, but you have to seek solitude. They’re not the same thing
they are lonely not alone its not the same thing
humans are mild telepaths, bathed in each other's minds. do without? respectfully, NO.
whoooooa deep man
All my best ideas come when I’m alone and I get things done.
When I’m around people I can’t think and I get nothing done.
Also when I’m alone I can plan my next move.
Simon Delaney, Exactly!
That’s not exactly solitude.
I have spent some decent time alone in the wilderness. 9 years I had a dog, which was awesome, never felt alone. I prefer howling wind sounds to sleep, easy enough with youtube. I spend 50% of my time with 2 other people now, the rest by myself.
I so would like that I think (not necessarily the woodsy wilderness) but alone with my dog is just fine (bunny too). It sounds like you are living the life (to me 😁)
I love the old school photography and retouch brush... that is a talent long forgotten in the digital age
Brought back the smell of the fixer....
It is not forgotten..why do you say that? Not everyone threw all their brain and skills out the window just because a damn computer arrived in the world! There are still tons of people not raised on them that actually know how to do real things, and we dont care if all the computers disappear tomorrow!
To Brian and the team. Thank you for creating such a considered and poised work. I particularly liked how and when you show the first close shot of her face, how you discreetly weave her presence through longer sequences of shots of the hotel interior and landscape, the sense of the space and of her dignity that you have conveyed. It gave me a moment of that peace.
Heaven on earth. At 65 and suffering with arthritis it is harder for me to find peaceful places. I operated a hydroelectric plant that was built in 1913, five generators each with their own personality. Worn bearings and bushings made them temperamental and one needed patience when synchronizing them to the main line. Four years ago they tore the place down. It was the best job I ever hand.
I've lived in New Hampshire for 7 years. Putting this place on my list next Summer. Stay warm, Alexandra. Thank you!
Adam Chandler lol she’s the protector of the island good luck coming back alive 😂
Hey, Adam! Star is a pretty awesome place, and I do strongly recommend it. That being said, it's not always fro everyone. I suggest "kicking the tires," if you will -- you can do day trips out from the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company (they'll have their schedule up later, I'm sure), and you can also do single- or few-night stays; check out www.starisland.org for more info on "personal retreats," as I believe they're called. Lastly, there's a list of "conferences" all summer long -- which is just a fancy way of saying "People who show up for a week, with some sort of theme talk." With *one* exception, however, the time on the island is yours to spend however you want -- the one exception being the mandatory "fire and water" talk that starts each conference. (The nutshell is: don't burn the place down.) ... and I'll stop, now. ;-) But feel free to touch base with me if you have any questions: ken@jots.org .
EYYY NH BROS REPRESENT
Sometimes I believe I am too sensitive to the heartbreak in this world. I feel the collective consciousness of the whole world and it makes me very sad. I cry for the pain in this world especially for the children.
What you posted reminds me of the condemned prisoner in the movie "The Green Mile". He said something very similar. He considered his execution a blessing to escape from the terrible events that occur in the world. You are not too sensitive. Your heart is in the right place. Your empathy for the suffering is what makes you a beautiful woman. I usually don't read the responses to my comments, so please don't be offended if I don't read your response. You see, I'm too sensitive too.
@@jackpinesavage1628 Both you and Lara are lovely humans.
"People who are spiritually minded tend to suffer from anxiety and depression more. You know why? because their eyes are open to a world in need of repair. They literally have an increased ability to feel the emotions of people around them."
~ Osho
When I was younger, I hated that I was so sensitive. Injustices & cruelty not only bothered me more than others but literally caused me pain & sadness. Now that I am older I understand why I have these feelings. It is necessary for me to take time to be alone so I can find peace in solitude & the knowledge & strength to continue to grow & heal from the pain.
I can so relate to this...it has taken a life time to come home to a place to accept that sensitivity and thus heartbreak.
Drink some whiskey and get laid a little bit. Then you'll feel better for a few days
My sister lived in Portsmouth and I visited every summer for years having come from Montreal it was a thrill to be by the ocean. I was a loner and traveled up and down the coast to Maine and Mass, and only longed to go to Star Island, never made it unfortunately. Only heard some stories. Love her photography, well done!
As a social phobic/ agoraphobic, the struggle of solitude can be overwhelming its documentaries like this that contain new perspectives on how to view the world in which I exist. Thank you. P.S. I love photographs There was a time that photography once consumed me.
Stunning in its simplicity. Thanks for the loving care taken to produce this video. I've watched it four times in a row.
Solitude is beautiful
Since grade school I've always wanted to be a Lighthouse caretaker. I remember in 5th grade the teacher went around the room asking what we wanted to be when we grew up, I said "Lighthouse Caretaker" and everyone looked at me funny! Back then girls said teacher and boys said policeman. They laughed at me cuz I was different, I laugh cuz they're all the same! To this day I love being alone. I've been in love with the sounds of the ocean and seagulls forever. I must be an Old Soul.
You are an INFJ.
@@33Jenesis I'm an infj and I relate to this immensely.
Dream come true, spending my days being quiet, spotting photographs...What a lovely Woman. Great short film.
This is brilliant. I really enjoy the beautiful, well-connected shots and the calm speech of Alexandra. Also, the subtle music really make this video even better. I'll put this on my "Favourites" playlist, and I can tell you, there aren't that many videos on there as it happens very rarely that I encounter such a nice piece on this site. Well done, keep it up!
but of course she is a photographer, we are a solitary breed
Observant creatures too.
Solitude is the price of greatness, turn loneliness into an art form.
I almost completely admire this level of solitude. As others have said, there's a distinct difference between solitude & loneliness. I would so bury myself in photography there. Job well done....
I loved this video. Thank you for filming it and uploading it. The cinematography was at once beautiful, peaceful and interesting. This woman seems very "down to earth." Peace and blessings, and wishing you many safe years of peace on the island.
Jerome Kurtenbach's soundtrack was perfect. Wonderful work by all.
This is haunting. I really enjoyed it. Beautifully done!
Thanks for posting! You are living a dream life, Alexandra.
Over and above the stark beauty, is the vicarious enjoyment of someone else's intense appreciation of it. You really embrace the solitude, and that makes it all the more impressive for the rest of us.
Feels so wonderfully quiet, thankyou
Beautiful. Many thanks for posting.
"Mr Grady, you were the caretaker."
"I'm sorry to differ with you, Sir. But you--are the caretaker. You've always been the caretaker. I should know, Sir; I've always been here."
That's what the word caretaker always reminds me of, one of the best films ever directed and produced by Stanley Kubrick.
I wish I could have something like this in my life, or find something like this and learn how to do it and make it work.
Beautiful and haunting, one of the best Atlantic films I’ve watched to date.
Thank you for this video. I felt at peace.
My dream job
Where is this. Beautiful. Love peace and no drama in my life whatsoever.
Finally someone who Understands....Not only the quiet rhythm of life but the cycle that is constantly turning.When one takes a breath another takes it last....
What a beautiful video. Very well put together and really captures what it feels like to be in solitude
What a great film. Thank you for this contribution!
How fortunate she is to have found a place, and a thing to do, which feeds her soul.
What an interesting person she is. I am a solitary myself, so much of what she says,
resonates with me. Maine, I have found, is a good place to be an introvert. People give each other space, but if there is trouble, they are there for you. These qualities are woven deeply into the Maine consciousness. Live and let live.
Beautiful, thoughtful, moving work of art. Thank you.
beautiful. this piece resonates deeply.
She has a very calm, poetic way of speaking. Perhaps she is one of the few that is truly suited to live in solitude.
I love it; this documentary is beautifully made .
God bless this woman. I hope to have a job like this one day....
Awesome and thank you for sharing!! 😍
Such a beautiful job National Geographic. I watched it 5 times. You are a treasure.
Pure poetry...fascinating woman and well done documentary...
Beautiful. I can smell the salt air. I can feel the dampness in my bones. NH winters are to endure and to enjoy.
Soul stirring.
"Journal of a Solitude," May Sarton.
"Winter: Notes From Montana," Rick Bass.
Thank you.i miss my home off the new england coast.beautiful film.
I am envious. Touching video.
She's special, this one video really transported me back to the shores. Good job
Beautifully done.
This was fantastic, thank you. I too have a isolating job and it's nice to know that there's more of us out there. Albeit much different it has many similarities.. Beautifully shot, thanks again from Minnesota.
Could you please tell me what is your isolating job ? (its title/training requirements) I LONG for this
This is such a nice piece. Solitude is harder and harder to come by nowadays. This is a welcome respite once a year.
Having just finished reading "The Weight of Water", as soon as I heard the weather report on the radio I knew it had to be one of the Isles of Shoals. And it was!
Though Star Island may be a bit more protected than the eastern coasts of Smuttynose (site of the 1873 murders) and Appledore, winter-time there can't be very pleasant. Still, there is a calmness in Ms de Steiguer's lovely voice and tone that provides a soothing contrast to the ruggedness of the natural environment around her. Great music, too.
The fear maybe only exist when u realize the vastness within ourselves.We really create from that inner world our outer physical world.Bein alone brings that reality of truth to forefront of our vision.If we are taught that this is okay and not to be feared we could really solve major issues of our time
I agree. It's one of the great ironies of life, that the more time we spend alone, the more we realize how connected we are to everyone and everything -- humans, animals, birds, insects, oceans, trees... -- past, present, and future. And yet, so much about our culture says spending "too much" time alone is wrong, bad, even indicative of a problem. Sad.
Beautiful film and amazing photography!
I never did enjoy big city life and got out as soon as i was able. Thank you for posting i feel melancholy.
Me thinks a year of solitude in nature would benefit any human being during their stay on this planet. Maybe not everyone could support it,or make it through tough.
Absolutely lovely ! I totally relate.
Achingly beautiful winter existence, gray and cloudy, yet deeply calming to me...
Beautiful upload❤
Wow!!!!
Alexandra de Steiguer,
Such a beautiful video !!!!
Indeed it is you and the way you speak and all that moves around you,I love Winter and Autumn,I think everyone felt the way you are as all around there it is you, would love to see more,like in Winter Storms,nights ect,I mean what a brilliant well done video,I am a loner my self so,I know how you feel,we have time to observe all that takes place and as all changes with out you moving...God bless you,darlin,am in Facebook if you will like to say,hi,
Am from Whitehall, Pennsylvania.
Great job !!!!!!!
It is a beautiful production altogether.
Beautiful film!!!
It really takes strong mind to be by yourself on an isolated island like that. I'm scared of ghosts so I could never do her job.
Beautiful Solitude story! Living with inner brings all internal emotions, but they are wonderfully written, and photograph to eventually be shared as apart of the journey. Her passion her path unfolding with every breath!
We had a glimpse into her world now we get use our own imagination of solitude! What would it be like, I wonder."
Ive gone to star island every summer for 11 years and its wonderful to see it in winter. Check out going to star island in the summer.
The photographs and cinematography were wonderful
Love the rb 67 film camera and the spotting on th print, old school nice.
Beautiful.
being this much alone, will sleep deprive me. but this is depressingly dark & sombre.
beautiful pictures thanks
I WANT MORE OF THIS.
Wow, what an interesting short. Good job.
My first motorcycle ride across south Dakota, felt some what like this film, the emptiness of the place, coming from the city it made my stomach uncomfortable with nothing for my mind to grab a hold of, the total lack of people, the lack of trees, yes it was only for hours not a winter but the feeling was there.
Did you write about the art of motorcycle maintenance 😉
Beautifully shot video, good story, kinda feel cold and warm at same time
this is pure eyegasm!!! cinematography is so beautiful and so well edited!!! Edit: i get so emotional watching a well edited and well shot video/movies!
she even has RB67! :D
Low crime rate.
Then why the cemetery at 6:14?!
@youcometome9 Right. not exactly worry free. And its her job to send them packing.
Many crimes are committed against other people. In a place where there are no other people, crime has to be low.
@Rod- What are you talking about? The crime rate is 100%. If she encounters another human, they will be committing a crime. She's fortunate that the kayaker had no malicious intent.
@@lucasmoreirasantos8377 100% statistically if you believe that a crime can be committed without a victim (she can not victimize herself, if you believe that a victim must be someone OTHER than one's self).
This was lovely.
Alone doesn't mean lonely! and lonely doesn't mean alone!..there's a certain romanticism about being alone!..solitude and peace! But abandonment is scrary at times!there's also this guilty feeling of selfishness.
What?? Really ? I would not let anyone cajole me into believing I am selfish if I seeked out solitude! Jeez thats nuts. Then I guess I will be ok with them believing me to be
Mid-winter, cold, windy, snow, ice, high seas. Glad you escorted the kayaker back out to sea and off the island, 10 miles back to the mainland. Good job.
ikr-she's a shitty caretaker if he managed to get into the room right above her.
Damn the Atlantic steppin up the game
I LOVED THIS!!!!
That is awesome that she gets to shoot that excellent film camera while she's there! I'd totally do the same!
Love solitude ❤️❤️❤️
This looks amazing. This is my second time through watching this.. just peaceful and idyllic ...at least to me.
This reminds me of 'The Shining'
A beautiful film.
Beautifully done. Complete solitude is something I have fantasized about since childhood. The hotel is enormous and I wonder if enough revenue is taken in to maintain the old building. It doesn't seem so, there are areas of peeling paint. Winter on the sea is brutal for wood strctures.
Beautiful place, beautiful story. As a writer, I covet the time I have alone. I can create my own stories.