Enjoy solitude
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| Peace |
I like these moments alone; I enjoy the solitude. Solitude isn't a bad thing. There's definitely this stigma on a person spending time alone. We encourage each other to go out or talk through text. But healthy time alone keeps your mind clear and refuels your soul.
Some people can't stand the stillness. They can't stand the solitude and instead see it as loneliness. To be alone is different than being lonely. To be lonely is a constant state of feeling deserted. On the other hand, moments of solitude are temporary; it's only a matter of time when I'm snapped back into reality and I can enter into the moving world.
I'm talking about true stillness and solitude. Not a time enjoyed with distractions and entertainment. My solitude includes writing. I am a writer. That's my thing. What's your thing of solitude where you can see your thoughts, feel your heartbeat, and hear your breath?
We rush to talk to others, to be with others, to make an impression, to get reactions, and to get praise. But we're not always going to have people by our side. Relationships may end or people are probably unreachable. In those times it's like anyone will do! Just don't let me be by myself!
Why are we afraid of solitude? We may just fear its rawness and honesty.
There is freedom in this solitude. You can shout, you can dance, you can paint, you can create.
Look to where you are in life. Look at your surroundings. Do you like where you are? When was the last time you did something to enjoy not because of obligation? Are you where you thought you'd be 5 years ago? Feelings may come out that you didn't know you were feeling. You might just shock yourself with how you are. Push through it, cry if you have to. But don't suppress it. You need to know where you are.
It's when we're in a still place, without distractions and obligations, we are our true selves. What you do in the dark shows who you really are. Put yourself there and see. Like what you see? If not, learn why. How did you get there? We're not born disliking ourselves. We could care less what people thought of us! We would get excited and laugh at the silliest things as children. Where did that spark go?
Practice solitude and you'll get to know yourself better. You can see how you need better relationships, the kinds that help you and encourage you to be yourself.
During this time you're not being impulsive or moved by emotions. You get to see the world around you and notice things you would normally pass by.
You are but one person. Practice this individuality and close the door, enjoy solitude.
You won't feel lonely because God's Holy Spirit is there with His peace that surpasses all understanding. And it's the best peace you can ever have: the peace from heaven that carries wisdom.
When Moses was alone he escaped into God's presence and experienced pure intimacy.
Jesus had 12 disciples with him all the time. Although he was always surrounded and busy he would set apart time in solitude. And he met God so strongly in these quiet times. When everything is quiet you can hear God's voice so clearly. I know I do. It's when I'm still and open my ears I get these moments of clarity where I see where I am in life, what I have forgotten about, and what I need more of or need to cut out.
So when the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said "Moses! Moses!" And he said "Here I am." Then He said, "Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground."
— Exodus 3:4-5
Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He [Jesus] went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.
— Mark 1:35
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