Solitude

We are afraid of loneliness and we assume solitude is the same thing: it is not. The Word cannot resound in our noisy, crowded, everyday lives because there is not enough silence. Loneliness is inner emptiness, but solitude is inner fulfillment. Jesus went regularly to seek out solitary places: so should we! We must seek out the retreating stillness of solitude if we want to be with others meaningfully. We need community AND solitude.

Solitude is not defined by silence, but it always involved the act of listening.

It is easier to be silent altogether than to speak with moderation! We are so often found speaking when we do not need to. There is a profound tendency to use words to justify ourselves. We constantly speak because we are in a constant process of adjusting our public image: we fear so deeply what others will think of us that we talk. We also rely on words to control other people. Silence releases us into the freedom to let our justification rest entirely with God.

Silence and solitude are characteristic of the 'Dark Night of the Soul'. They draw us away from distractions, strip us of overdependednce on the emotional life and let us see God.

How do we find this solitude?
- Take advantage of the little solitudes that fill a day.
- Experiment with doing deeds with no words of explanation.
- Discipline yourself so your words are few and full.
- Take time out regularly (4 times per year?) to spend a few hours in silence, thinking about your path.

The fruit of solitude is increased sensitivity to and compassion for ohers. There comes a new freedom to be with people. There is a new attentiveness to their needs, new responsiveness to their hurts.

"Silence and solitude teach me to love my brothers for what they are, not what they say."

Merton