I have been thinking of how to “define” the contemplative life. And I stumbled across this:

Contemplation in this context does not mean contemplative prayer as such, but a quality of life that is contemplative: one that is lived vertically in relationship to God rather than horizontally in relationship to time and those around us.

SLG, Sisters of the Love of God. Monastic Vocation (p. 54). SLG Press. Kindle Edition.

The “context” is the enclosure. But the definition works well for the solitary life.