Aubrey Smith
The opinions expressed by the Tabor College EML student bloggers and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Tabor College. Tabor College is also not responsible for the accuracy of any of the information in the post.
I am an extravert. Being quiet and alone can be challenging. I love people. I love being around them. I would rather study in a room full of strangers at a coffee shop than sit at home alone. But when should we be in solitude and silence? Why are these disciplines some of the best things for us?
In Gary Thomas’ book Sacred Pathways he shares 9 pathways for Christians to interact with God:
- Naturalist: Loving God outdoors
- Sensates: Loving God with the senses
- Traditionalists: Loving God Through Ritual and Symbol
- Ascetics: Loving God in Solitude and Simplicity
- Activists: Loving God Through Confrontation
- Caregivers: Loving God by Loving Others
- Enthusiasts: Loving God with Mystery and Celebration
- Contemplatives: Loving God Through Adoration
- Intellectuals: Loving God with the Mind
(Take the test to find out which you are: http://northpointministries.org/misc/sacredpathway.html)
Notice the Ascetics option…”solitude.” I am not under that one. I generally interact best with God through caregiving and nature (both usually involving others.) But could solitude and silence create space? Space for quiet? Space to slow down?
I tried it out.
Here’s a list of things I discovered when I practiced it:
- No distractions by others
- I could hear my breathing
- I slowed down
- I listened
- Fears came into focus
- I recognized God’s presence
- Listened to God
Silence and solitude brings clarity. It is a centering for the soul. This purposeful quieting is self care. It is a simple tool for combating burnout.
But solitude/silence doesn’t mean doing absolutely nothing. It is an intentional practice. For example, last fall I created a self care day for some staff members of a local non-profit. We practiced spiritual disciplines (i.e., silence) and discovered helpful ways to refresh and refocus by being silent with others.
I set up tables with tangible elements (i.e., wooden cross, rocks to write on, pictures, paper and pens.) Each element was purposed for reflection and action: prayer, confession, surrender. Many of the participants practiced these disciplines in silence by themselves, while others were in the room.
After the event many of the women expressed the disciplines were helpful for their emotional wellbeing. They needed the silence but enjoyed practicing with others- it was a unifying experience.
However, there is also much to gain from practicing solitude in the true sense of the word…being alone.
One of my favorite books is The Good and Beautiful God by James Bryan Smith. He is the director of the Apprentice Institute in Wichita, KS. He explains the point of solitude is formation of the heart. Remember the list I mentioned earlier? There’s no one to impress. Just me and God. God starts forming my identity not others. That’s the beauty of solitude and silence.
Have you practiced solitude and silence before? If not, take some time this week to practice. Afterward ask: What did I learn from this exercise? What did I observe? Describe how you felt about it.
Take a breath. It’s just you and God.