Accessing Self through Quiet and Solitude

“Solitude is the furnace of transformation. Without

solitude we remain victims of society and continue

to be entangled in the illusions of the false self.”

—Henri Nouwen

Many years ago, the staff of our church’s counseling center went to the island of Hawaii for a workshop with Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, eminent teacher about death and dying. Surrounded by colleagues I loved and respected, and stimulated by spiritual ideas and energy, I was able to remember, and feel, the oneness of God and Her children, myself included. I felt that, if even just for a moment, I was able to access my authentic Self.

Paradoxically, this incredible sense of knowingness was accompanied by a feeling of homesickness, and I craved silence and solitude in which to absorb and appreciate the wonder of connection with the Beloved. While others slept, I sought out solitude under the silent stars. Alone in the quiet, I immersed myself in an indescribable sense of being at home in God. It was heaven. Or at least a preview of coming attractions, and it was only possible because I eliminated distractions.

Excerpted from How to Stay Upbeat in a Beat Down World by Sue Patton Thoele. Available on Amazon.