What is "hitbodedut"

Hitbodedut (, lit. "self-seclusion", Ashkenazic pronunciation: hisboydedes/hisboydedus or hisbodedus, Sephardic pronunciation: hitbodedút ) refers to an unstructured, spontaneous and individualized form of prayer and meditation taught by Rebbe Nachman of Breslov. Through hitbodedut one is meant to establish a close, personal relationship with God and gain a clearer understanding of one's personal motives and aspirations. However, Rebbe Nachman states that the ultimate goal is to free oneself of all negative traits that obstruct the spiritually-transforming non-dual realization of the "Imperative Existent," which is the Divinity inherent in all being.