Solitude

The extroverts among us will probably find solitude more challenging and yet especially beneficial, but solitude as a spiritual practice can be a significant time for introverts also.

Solitude is choosing to step free from human relationships for a period of time, in isolation or anonymity, to make room for occupation of our lives by God.

Some Hints:

·  Try setting aside 3 or 4 hours at first in a pleasant place (even if you live alone, plan a specific time of solitude).

·  Just observe.  Don’t do anything.  Notice your surroundings – especially if you are outside enjoying God’s creation.

·  Try walking along the beach.

·  You might pray, but don’t make a job of it.  Simply talk to your Heavenly Father.

·  If you are at home and you fall asleep, don’t worry.  Enjoy the rest and talk to God when you wake up. (1 Kg 19:4-9)

·  Solitude is not a private therapeutic place.  Rather, it is the place of conversion, the place where the old self dies and the new self is born.

Some Benefits of Solitude:

•  It breaks our co-dependency.  Others can live without us and us without them.

•  We learn to appreciate other people more, without needing to control them.

•  It frees us from busyness and overwork (and other things that bind us).

•  It builds trust in God as we take our hands off and allow God to take charge.

• It provides time to focus on God and to develop other spiritual practices such as prayer and Bible study.

God bless you in these times alone with God.

Martin.