This week:
Introducing Solitude into our Busy Lives
MONDAY:
"Answer me when I call to you,
O my righteous God.
Be merciful to me and hear my prayer."
-Psalm 4:1
This old song suggests that the writer spent time in solitude with the Creator. Throughout the week we will explore the theme of solitude and its significance.
Solitude is probably one of the most significant disciplines a person can possess. Solitude is a time of uninterruptedness. Solitude is a time when we can reflect or pray, a time when we intentionally limit outside distractions so that the "inside noises" can be examined and (dare I say it) confessed to the silence (to the Holy, to God).
Recently I was privileged to observe another person's solitude. It was powerful. I simply stayed quiet and watched a person deal with their fears, their unresolved "stuff" and their anxiety. Nothing was said for an extended period of time. It was only silence. After a period of time the person looked at me and nodded. "Are you in a better place now?" I asked. The person nodded again. I left.
Sometimes the confrontation with our inner conflicts can be too painful for us to endure. But when we take time to honor solitude, we honor the mysterious presence of the Divine to bring us what we need for the moment. Do not be afraid of solitude, move toward it. You will not be disappointed.
A prayer: Help me to move away from the noise to places of solitude. Amen.
-Ben Keckler 09.17.07
TUESDAY:
"My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from my Creator."
-Psalm 62:1
This old song suggests that the writer spent time in solitude with the Creator. Throughout the week we will explore the theme of solitude and its significance.
A couple of years ago one of those dreaded phone calls came, informing my wife and me of a sudden traumatic death. The brother of a very good friend was killed instantly in a freak accident. Our friend was totally numb. We talked with her on Saturday and again on Sunday. During the Sunday evening talk she indicated that she had said all that needed to be said and that it was time for her to be alone.
Our friend has been developing her ability to be attentive to God's voice over the past five years. She continues to learn that solitude is important, particularly when you feel bombarded by the many thoughts and feelings that emerge from difficult, daily living. The ability to withdraw from surrounding distractions takes time to develop. I am confident that our friend grew stronger on Sunday night when she declared that it was time to enter a solitary place!
While we hated to leave her, we knew that the best way for her to deal with her emptiness, loss, anger and grief was some quiet time. The Sacred writings tell stories about times when people found it helpful to enter into solitude. Even if it is only for a few minutes, take some time today for some solitary moments with God.
A prayer: God bless my moments of solitude with your presence. Amen.
--Ben Keckler 09.18.07
WEDNESDAY:
"Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. "
-Psalm 130:1, 2
This old song suggests that the writer spent time in solitude with the Creator. Throughout the week we will explore the theme of solitude and its significance.
Every so often we can feel like we are "in the depths". When this feeling arrives (and arrive it will) the natural tendency is to turn to someone who can guide us through, who can pray for us, who can focus attention on our needs. One method of self-care that each of us can develop is learning the discipline of solitude.
Generally we opt for noise, busy-ness and activity in the surroundings to help us get through. Each can be helpful. Learning to experience the splendor of solitude can be as helpful; in fact, probably far more helpful. Entering a private room and shutting the door does not remove our doubts, fears, bad memories, angry feelings, impulsive desires, or unresolved stuff. Entering a solitary place does help us to define what is going on. Entering a solitary place does help us to encounter the "presence" that can help us gain clarity.
Mercy and grace are always present for us to access. The practice of solitude will help us to get there. Start with small segments of time (5 or 10 minutes) and keep increasing your allocated time until you reach what works for you.
A prayer: Guide me, 0 Holy God, toward solitary places where I can discover that I am not alone. Amen.
-Ben Keckler 09.19.07
THURSDAY:
"Be still and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth"
-Psalm 46:10
This old song suggests that the writer spent time in solitude with the Creator. Throughout the week we will explore the theme of solitude and its significance.
This whole idea of solitude and stillness can be a little overdone, can't it? I don't think so! Generally in our solitude it is important to focus on the "centering of our own being" and to concentrate on the stirrings within our own soul. To be anchored within is important— when we are anchored we don't drift as we work on the things that need to be done.
Take time to center yourself today. When centered remember those who are in difficult places:
Every person inside the borders of Iraq.
The thousands and thousands who are still displaced by Hurricane Katrina.
Those who will face hardships because this is a day when they will receive? unsettling news.
May your time of solitude be spent doing what you need to do. Have a good day.
A prayer: God, help me in my relative ease to always remember those who are uneasy. Amen.
--Ben Keckler 09.20.07
FRIDAY:
"The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? I will sing and make music to the Lord my God."
-Psalm 27, selected verses
This old song suggests that the writer spent time in solitude with the Creator. Throughout the week we will explore the theme of solitude and its significance.
Excerpts from a prayer of St. Francis as he spent time in solitude:
You are holy, Lord, you are the only God
And all your works are wondrous.
You are strong,
You are great,
You are most high.
You, most holy, are the Lord of heaven and earth!
You are the mystery, the Lord God above all gods.
You are good,
You are all good,
You are the highest good.
Lord of all, God of all, ever living and ever true.
You are the fire of love itself.
You are our
Wisdom, humility, patience, beauty, meekness, security, inner peace and our joy.
Great and wonderful Lord!
You are God who lives forever, offering me life!
I pray that you will have a blessed weekend, filled with good.
--Ben Keckler 09.21.07
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