A friend of mine, well Facebook friend of mine, is a nun. Sister Vassa Larin. She made this post talking about purposeful solitude. Check it out!

(Thursday, December 12)

SOLITUDE vs. LONELINESS

“Then He came to Bethsaida; and they brought a blind man to Him, and begged Him to touch him. So He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the town. And when He had spit on his eyes and put His hands on him, He asked him if he saw anything. And he looked up and said, ‘I see men like trees, walking.’ Then He put His hands on his eyes again and made him look up. And he was restored and saw everyone clearly. Then He sent him away to his house, saying, ‘Neither go into the town, nor tell anyone in the town.’” (Mk 8:22-26)

Why does our Lord lead the blind man out of the town, and away from his friends that brought him to Christ? One of the reasons, I think, was that the blind man needed to be alone with the Lord, in order to be healed. He needed to surrender to this Stranger, who took him by the hand and led him he-knew-not-where, in order to see.

Isn’t this what God does with all of us, every now and then, when He draws us aside or away from our habitual activities or community; when we fall sick and need to stay in bed; when we lose a beloved friend; when we suddenly feel our solitude? Do we sometimes find ourselves alone in the wilderness, even in the midst of a crowd? I think it’s like Israel was led out to wander in the wilderness, so that God could “speak to her heart” and make Himself known to her, which was a gradual process.

If God makes me feel my solitude today, let me surrender to His will for me, that I come to see and trust His companionship more. It’s not the time to bemoan loneliness; it’s the time to be restored in solitude. “Loneliness” is not from God, while solitude is. In time, in God’s time, I will return “into the town” and be more effective there, as a seeing person. Rather than wasting time on bemoaning loneliness, or seeking companionship where it is not forthcoming, let me receive any alone-time with God as an opportunity to wake up to His presence in my life; to be “restored and see everyone clearly.”

Continue below…

Harnessing Solitude for Vitality and Holistic Living

- Mindful Reflection: Use solitude to engage in mindful reflection, allowing yourself to process thoughts and emotions without external distractions. This practice can lead to greater self-awareness and emotional balance, contributing to overall mental well-being.

- Creative Exploration: Solitude provides the perfect environment for creative exploration. Whether it's writing, painting, or any other form of artistic expression, being alone can help you tap into your inner creativity and foster a sense of fulfillment and purpose.

- Nature Connection: Spend time alone in nature to reconnect with the natural world. This can enhance your sense of peace and vitality, as the tranquility of nature often promotes relaxation and a deeper appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.

- Personal Growth: Use solitary moments to focus on personal growth activities such as reading, learning a new skill, or setting personal goals. This dedicated time can lead to self-improvement and a more enriched life experience.

- Spiritual Practice: Solitude is an ideal time for spiritual practices like meditation or prayer. These activities can deepen your spiritual connection, providing a sense of inner peace and grounding that supports holistic living.

That last one Jesus practiced quite a bit.

So here’s the thing…

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