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The Disciplines of Solitude and Silence
The Disciplines of Solitude and Silence
Pastor Richard Hovey
Pastor Richard Hovey
Defining Solitude/Silence
Defining Solitude/Silence
“There’s more to the discipline of solitude than just spending time by yourself. Wilderness time is your chance to detach from the opinions of others, to forgive some people who have made you angry, to come to grips with the way other people are getting in the way of your relationship with God. . . Time spent alone is a rare opportunity for the spirit. . . Solitude also helps us take the beam from our own eye in order to relieve the other person’s affliction.”
“There’s more to the discipline of solitude than just spending time by yourself. Wilderness time is your chance to detach from the opinions of others, to forgive some people who have made you angry, to come to grips with the way other people are getting in the way of your relationship with God. . . Time spent alone is a rare opportunity for the spirit. . . Solitude also helps us take the beam from our own eye in order to relieve the other person’s affliction.”
Emilie Griffin
“In quiet and silence the faithful soul makes progress, the hidden meanings of the Scriptures become clear, and the eyes weep with devotion every night. Even as one learns to grow still, he draws closer to the Creator and further from the hurly-burly of the world. As one divests himself of friends and acquaintances, he is visited by God and his holy angels.”
“In quiet and silence the faithful soul makes progress, the hidden meanings of the Scriptures become clear, and the eyes weep with devotion every night. Even as one learns to grow still, he draws closer to the Creator and further from the hurly-burly of the world. As one divests himself of friends and acquaintances, he is visited by God and his holy angels.”
Thomas à Kempis
“Silence speaks, the contemplatives say. But really, I think, silence sorts. An ordering instinct sends people into the hush where the voice can be heard. This is the sorting intelligence. . . Silence, that inspired dealer, takes the day’s deck, the life, all in a crazy heap, lays it out, and plays its flawless hand of solitaire, every card in place. Scoops them up and does it all over again.”
“Silence speaks, the contemplatives say. But really, I think, silence sorts. An ordering instinct sends people into the hush where the voice can be heard. This is the sorting intelligence. . . Silence, that inspired dealer, takes the day’s deck, the life, all in a crazy heap, lays it out, and plays its flawless hand of solitaire, every card in place. Scoops them up and does it all over again.”
Patricia Hampl
“More difficult than getting rid of . . exterior noises is the achievement of inner silence, a silence of the heart. It seems that a person who is caught up in all that noise has lost touch with the inner self. The questions that are asked from within are left unanswered. Unsure feelings are not cleared up, tangled desires are not straightened out, and confusing emotions are not understood. All that remains is a chaotic tumble of feelings which have never had a chance to be sorted out.”
“More difficult than getting rid of . . exterior noises is the achievement of inner silence, a silence of the heart. It seems that a person who is caught up in all that noise has lost touch with the inner self. The questions that are asked from within are left unanswered. Unsure feelings are not cleared up, tangled desires are not straightened out, and confusing emotions are not understood. All that remains is a chaotic tumble of feelings which have never had a chance to be sorted out.”
Henri Nouwen
Practicing Solitude and Silence
Practicing Solitude and Silence
Take advantage of moments in your day, when you are alone, to shut out the noise (radio, podcasts, music). This could be when driving in your car.
Plan a time away from people regularly in order to spend time in solitude and silence. This can be as short as half a day even once a month. Work this into your schedule (otherwise it may not happen).
Have a place away from distraction (this could be an office, cabin, or as simple as getting outdoors for a walk by yourself).
When in a group of people, practice speaking only when needed; intentionally just listen to the conversation happening around you.
Solitude: A Practical Guide by Adele Calhoun
Resources
Resources
Are the Disciplines of Silence and Solitude Really Biblical? by Robert L. Plummer
Take a Break from the Chaos by David Mathis
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