We live in a noisy world, a world that keeps us from knowing ourselves, knowing each other and knowing God. A world whose uproar erects a barrier to solitude and intimacy, to authentic connection. Such it has always been. Why do you think the psalmist advises us to "Be still and know that God is God"?

I define solitude as being in good contact with your own self. What would make contact with your own self "good"? You experience solitude when you can be alone and quiet without feeling anxious, defensive or half-alive. You experience solitude when you delight in your own company.

I define intimacy as being in good contact with others. What makes contact with others "good" for you? Not surprisingly, you experience intimacy when you can be present and quiet with someone without feeling anxious, defensive or half-alive.

Interestingly, the degree to which you have a difficult time finding solitude will likely be the degree to which you have a tough time finding intimacy.

Try sitting in silence for 5 minutes. To the extent you can, let go of thoughts, of what else is going on or what needs to be done. Allow your mind to quiet. Pay attention to what you feel and want. Of what about yourself are you becoming aware?

What do you learn about yourself in the silence?

Text and image © 2010 by Dirk deVries. All rights reserved.