Learn: The Practice of Solitude

(Photo taken from here)

What am I learning today?

In this season of life, I am learning the true meaning of solitude. I am an extrovert, and I draw energy from being with people. At the same time, I am human.


How do I balance both my personality tendencies and my priorities of holistic health?

I must embrace solitude.

I love how Richard J. Foster explains it in his book The Celebration of Discipline:

“Solitude is more a state of mind and heart than it is a place. There is solitude of the heart that can be maintained at all times. Crowds, or the lack of them, have little to do with this inward attentiveness. It is quite possible to be a desert hermit and never experience solitude. But it we possess inward solitude we do not fear being along, for we know that we are not alone. Neither do we fear being with others, for they do not control us. In the midst of noise and confusion we are settled into a deep inner silence. Whether alone or among people, we always carry with us a portable sanctuary of the heart. Inward solitude has outward manifestations. There is the freedom to be alone, not in order to be away from people but in order to hear the divine Whisper better (pg. 96-97).”

Solitude is not always about secluding myself away in a cabin in the mountains, even though I would love to. Sometimes we still have the constant “noise” of life when we are by ourselves.

As this semester continues on, solitude is a practice that I hope to integrate in my habits. Either it’s going away for a weekend or just relaxing in my little apartment. By reflecting and being still, I hope to explore the “sanctuary of the heart” and be ready “to hear the divine Whisper”.

But why do we need to practice solitude?

As my boy Foster states, “The fruit of solitude is increased sensitivity and compassion for others. There comes a new freedom to be with people. There is new attentiveness to their needs, new responsiveness to their hurts (pg. 108).”

Preach it, brother.

That’s what I am learning today.

What does solitude mean to you?