This Month I’ve Been Exploring Solitude

God is challenging me about my practices of faith. He seems to be emphasizing the daily rhythms of a life of discipleship. In January we practiced gratitude; see our Thank-You-Ary post here. We renamed February to “Remembruary” and focused on the many wonderful things God has done in our past. See our Remembruary post here. (And don’t miss Craig’s gallery of 25 years of Mission Adventures theme tee shirts here.)

This month I have been exploring solitude. There have been early morning quiet times, long solo walks, and even a day-long solitude retreat. Here’s what I’ve been learning.

A Few Thoughts on Solitude

Right now I’m on a day-long solitude retreat. Dear friends have offered me the use of their apartment near Encinitas. I’m reading, praying, listening, and writing. (I will limit my singing to in the car with the volume turned up).  

Sitting on the porch, listening to the waves and the breeze, I am rereading a bit of Dallas Willard’s Spirit of the Disciplines. Here is what I am finding:

Solitude Is a Foundation 

Purposefully removing myself from everything social for a day imitates Jesus. Pretty much every spiritual person creates this kind of space. The other disciplines of silence, fasting, prayer, etc. are built on this fundamental practice.  

Solitude Is Freeing

Today I don’t have to respond to texts, emails, or calls. Today I don’t have to fit into any social molds or meet any expectations. 

Solitude Is Scary

When I’m by myself, I become more aware of what Louis Bouyer describes as that unknown, dark, haunted abyss within… *shudder* My everyday interactions help me keep the focus off of that place, but here by myself I see it more clearly. 

Solitude Is a Place of Strength

Today I am able to place my focus on the presence of God in a way that’s more intense and for a longer period of time than in my normal routine. I feel like this is establishing, strengthening, and deepening my trust in him. 

As my retreat ends, I see that I want and need more of this purposeful time. I’m hoping to make this a regular practice, and I’m hoping to extend it to two or even three days away.