“Practicing” Silence and Solitude

In my last post, I explained that in silence and solitude, we posture ourselves to be present to God. We become receptive to whatever He wants to do or say regarding us and our lives, setting our own agendas aside to just be with God.

You may find it’s actually more difficult than you expect to just “be” as most of us are accustomed to the positive feelings that come from producing something or at least having an experience of some sort. You might even get frustrated if you either feel like nothing is happening or if you can’t keep racing thoughts at bay. You may even quit after a few tries because it seems too hard or your fear you aren’t cut out for it.

In hopes of setting you up for success, I have some tips below. But first, I want to suggest that the way you frame these, and all other spiritual disciplines, makes a difference as well.

I recommend you consider them “practices.”

Practices as in when you set time aside over and over to do something that at first feels awkward or difficult until, over time, you get more comfortable and better at it.

Like when your 6th grader joined orchestra and came home with her cello. You didn’t expect her to sound like Yo-yo Ma. You knew it was difficult and it felt uncomfortable as she labored to control the bow while moving her other fingers on the strings. But you were thrilled when she actually cared enough to come home from school every day, pick up that cello, and actually practice.

Well, I think your Father in heaven is also pleased when you sit down in solitude, collect your soul in silence, and give Him all of your scattered attention to the best of your ability. And the good news… He is literally the the most gracious and patient Being in the universe!

So, just don’t stop.

Just keep practicing.

Even if you begin with 2-minute snippets a time or two a day… before your devotions in the morning, during a break at work, parked in the standstill carpool line, or at night after you pray. It will begin to feel less awkward, and in time, you may even begin to crave this precious time alone with the one who loves you the most.

6 Tips before you Practice Silence and Solitude 

1. Begin by praying for the desire.

2. Cultivate a positive image of God.

3. Be realistic as you put solitude on your calendar.

4. Turn off your cell phone (airplane mode also works nicely).

5. Set yourself up for success by letting others know you are out of pocket.

6. Have a scratch pad to jot down Eureka moments.

I’ll discuss in more detail in a few posts.

Social image of cello by Maria Cappelli from subsplash