Solitude & Silence

Mark 6:30-31
The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught.
Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat,
he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."

Whether in nature or in the anonymity of the masses, solitude is a choice to be alone. A periodic separation from others is a necessary element in life. It is natural. It ranks as a priority among the disciplines. Regular interactions in the world engage us in a pattern of action and thought that is contrary to God. Alone, our soul is challenged by obscure forces and conflicts that would normally escape our attention amidst the pace and desperation of society. We are challenged to depend on God under any and all circumstances.

Loneliness, on the other hand, is the absence of the presence of God. Most of us can tell of the time when we were surrounded by people and we were by ourselves. We could not get 'right,' -fixing it often by getting 'tight.' We tried and tried to fit in, to belong, but we could not. When alone is was worse. We could not silence the demons. We could not find peace. It is such a relief to learn how to be quiet within one's self.

Total silence is rare. Turning off the noise: television, radio, telephone, appliances, dogs, children, and sirens, is one thing - shutting up is another. Listening is a lost talent. Observing and giving our undivided attention to anything or anybody else is a discipline with rich rewards. Another problem is a restless mind. We are to develop into strong individuals with a quiet, inner confidence. Stillness of the inner clamors renders gratitude and appreciation for others. God gave us two ears and only one mouth - can there be a more obvious clue?