“Solitude is the place where our aloneness can bear fruit. It is the home for our restless bodies and anxious minds……It is not an easy place to be, since we are so insecure and fearful that we are easily distracted by whatever promises immediate satisfaction. Solitude is not immediately satisfying, because in solitude we meet our demons, our addictions, our feelings of lust and anger, and our immense need for recognition and approval. But if we do not run away, we will meet there also the One who says, “Do not be afraid. I am with you, and I will guide you through the valley of darkness.”
This is an excerpt from Henri Nouwen’s book “Bread For The Journey”. His deep wisdom amazes me. This could only have been written by somebody who dared to face his aloneness with Full Consciousness – not running from what he saw – courageously staying with that great emptiness – resisting all temptations to escape – until he got in touch with the Godhead that was there all along – just out of reach.
This takes faith worth having – maybe even more faith than you are aware of having in the moment.
