DEEP #3: Silence and Solitude – Spiritual Discipline

A balanced life—something we all want and yet find it impossible to maintain. We live in a fast-paced world where there are always things to do, deadlines to meet, family members to take care of or people who need us. We work long hours and rarely, if ever, take the time to stop and smell the roses. The purpose of silence and solitude is to give the participant the ability to see and hear clearly amidst a busy life.

Silence is abstaining from speaking.   While there is no outward talk, there may be internal dialogue with one’s self and with God.  At other times, silence may be both internal and external, leaving room for God’s voice to be heard more clearly (see Rumination/Meditation).  Solitude means withdrawing from the busyness of our lives to a place of privacy.  This may last for as little as a few minutes or go on for days.  Both disciplines are voluntary, temporary experiences that create space for us to seek and hear from God away from the cacophony of everyday life.

Jesus practiced silence and solitude.  He often spent time away from His disciples and the crowds retreating to remote places and spending time in prayer (Mark 1:35; Mark 6:46).   After the experience Jesus returned refreshed and prepared to meet the demands of the sick, weak, poor and needy.  And so can you.

Benefits of Silence

• Clarity of purpose
• Increased faith
• Physical and spiritual restoration
• Greater control of the tongue

Moments of Solitude

• Early morning before the family awakens
• Bumper to bumper traffic
• A quiet place in nature
• A church sanctuary
• A chapel
• A corner in the public library
• A closet

The result of practicing silence and solitude is increased sensitivity and compassion for others.  God invites us to, "Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." (Mark 6:31, NIV).

Excerpted by JCD from from Loma Linda University’s Explorewholeness.com pages (23/01/13) 

Now take three minutes in "lone silence" to let this video clip expand the ideas, values, thoughts, and challenges of your engaging in the benefits of silence and moments of solitude . . .