A Missing Key in Spiritual Growth
Tuesday, September 8, 2009 at 10:53AM | Print Article Yesterday I read a quote from Henri Nouwen that really took me aback.
Without solitude it is virtually impossible to live a spiritual life.
That is such a strong statement! Very dogmatic.
Perhaps one reason why it strikes me so much is that I do not practice the spiritual discipline of solitude. Don't get me wrong: I have a number of times when I am alone, but that does not automatically qualify as solitude.
This quote provokes me. (in a good way)
We live in society that puts a very high value on productivity and efficiency and effectiveness. In general, spiritual disciplines such as solitude are not esteemed in our fast-paced culture.
One of the dimensions of many of the spiritual disciplines is that they are a form of voluntary weakness. We are giving up portions of resources that strengthen us. When I give money away, that money is really gone and I can't spead it on something else. When I serve somebody, or pray or meditate, or read the Scriptures, I lose time that I could be using to get other things done.
I like to spend time alone but I almost always am doing something. I value time quite a bit and am always chiding myself on my use of time, looking for more efficient uses of time. I consider prayer a very wise investment of time, however I often have strong urges to 'do things' while I am in personal times of prayer.
So here's my question for you to consider: in what ways could the discipline of solitude strengthen your own spiritual life?
Reader Comments (5)
How do you define solitude? Dictionary.com defines it as "The state or quality of being alone or remote from others." Your post suggests that the discipline of solitude is more than that. So, what does the quote mean?
I've been working through the call to solitude for a while, having read several of Nouwen's books on the subject. I would highly recommend the following book, it's been very practical about the power of solitude in our spiritual formation and prayer life:
Invitation To Solitude And Silence: Experiencing God's Transforming Presence
by Ruth Haley Barton and Dallas Willard
In solitude, I simply can't keep my mind on any one thing for very long. So sustained prayer is very difficult. But there are ways around that; playing my guitar and reading my bible help. But I still struggle with fighting the urge to "do stuff".
Disciplining myself in solitude could help me to focus more.
That's a very thought provoking questions, Jim.
Mikaela, I think that there is a difference between 'solitude' as a term defined and the concept of solitude as a spiritual discipline. I am alone now as I write this, but I am not practicing the discipline of solitude.
That said, I'm not overly familiar with the details on what it all entails... part of what I will explore. I think Audrey's comment and referal are helpful to us both.
thanks everybody for the comments. I'm encouraged by them!
Very thoughtfull post on spiritual growth.It should be very much helpfull
Thanks,
Karim - <A href="http://www.affirmationsforpositivethinking.com/">
Positive thinking</A>