The Discipline of Solitude
Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord;
Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.
--Psalm 130: 1, 2
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 as the surroundings that 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, O Holy God, toward solitary places where I can discover that I am not alone. Amen.
Ben Keckler
09.17.08
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