JUNE SOLITUDE & SILENCE
Theme Overview
From Moses to David to Paul - and all through history - God’s people have sought the gifts found uniquely in solitude. Jesus spent at least one 40-day period in solitude, and the gospels tell us “He often withdrew to lonely places” to be alone with God (Luke 5:16). If Jesus needed that, how much more do we? Little wonder wise Christians across the centuries have urged that times of solitude are an essential part of learning to experience the life God desires for His children.
In solitude, we step away from the activities and noise that fill most of life. We forgo human interaction, as well as other things that normally engage, stimulate, and pacify us.
But solitude is not merely about absence. Solitude is most of all a choice to turn our whole selves towards God. We give full attention to Him, His Word, and His world. We pray and praise. We listen, reflect, and wait. And in this, we open ourselves to receive.
The gifts of solitude will be different each time we enter. Sometimes, it may include specific guidance we’re seeking. At other times, it may be just the opposite - a deeper sense of God’s presence despite continued uncertainty. We may see things about ourselves we’ve ignoredareas requiring change or strengths we’ve left under-utilized. We may receive a call to a new place or to new contentment in our current situation. We may feel the brevity of life and its opportunities more keenly, or the goodness of the blessings hidden in plain sight all around us.
Whatever gifts God has for us, we must know this: we will inevitably miss many of them if our lives remain a blur of activity and noise. We will simply not see or hear. To choose solitude and silence is to open our eyes, ears, and heart -- confident that as we do, we will receive.
Suggestions for Entering Solitude
Solitude will not happen if we do not actively choose it. Plan ahead for a significant block of unbroken time alone. If you can, aim for 24-hours, including an overnight. If that is not possible, that’s okay -- just arrange for the largest block feasible for you. Other elements to consider:
• Ideally, choose a place away from your ordinary spaces - a place you’ll enjoy being, with access to God’s creation and beauty, even if just a garden or small park.
• Be as inaccessible as possible. If necessary, arrange a minimally-intrusive way to reach you.
• Solitude’s essence is the quieting of the typical “noise” of our lives so we can be attentive in ways we rarely are. Do your best to cut out any and all distractions, especially technology. (There’s something wonderfully freeing about not handling a phone all day!)
• Fiercely resist the temptation to do a “quick check” of email, social media, news, or other things. Even a glimpse will spur thoughts that will overwhelm quiet attentiveness.
• Try to keep meals and logistics simple, enabling you to focus on being present with God.
• Consider also leaving behind all reading materials except Scripture and/or purely devotional content (i.e. poetry or guided prayers).
What Do I DO in Solitude?
Solitude is not about activity, but there are many things we can do in solitude that help turn our attention to God and open us to receive. Especially if you’re new to solitude, it may help to plan a general flow. You can move lightly from one activity or focus to the next, giving to each the time that feels natural, always open to the Spirit’s leading. This could include:
• Walking or hiking in nature and other ways to bring your whole body into the experience
• Expressing thanks, praise, and adoration to God
• Listening in quiet for God’s “still, small voice”
• Journaling and/or other reflection
• Singing, whether acapella or with your own instrument or recorded music
• Taking a refreshing nap
• Praying for your own needs and desires, for others, and for God’s work in our world
• Engaging Scripture in diverse ways - from reading a passage out loud to meditating on it
• Using others’ prayers to guide yours - from Scriptures/Psalms to Liturgy of the Ordinary.
• Writing out a prayer or your own Psalm or other poetry
Solitude can be difficult, especially as we step away from lives saturated with stimulants. We may feel anxious or jittery at first, like a smoker trying to quit cigarettes. It may take a long time before the “merry-go-round” of our thoughts slows enough for us to see clearly. We may also struggle as we confront issues and questions normally kept at bay by busyness and diversion.
But as we open our eyes and ears and hearts, we can also trust that… like so many saints who’ve gone before us in this, including Jesus… our Father has good gifts for His children - gifts that we almost certainly would miss if we never opened ourselves to receive in solitude.
Exploratory Exercise
Experience an extended time of solitude and silence on CAFO’s Day of Solitude or another day. Make sure to plan in advance to receive fully the gifts of this time.
For further exploration:
• An Invitation to Solitude and Silence, Ruth Haley Barton
• A Celebration of Discipline, (Chapter on Solitude), Richard Foster
