Alone and Still
April 19, 2008
“Anyone who intends to live the inner and spiritual life has to get away, with Jesus, from the crowd.”
Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of Christ, 1.20
There’s a famous line by Blaise Pascal that, loosely translated, goes like this: “All the troubles we experience can be traced to one thing: not knowing how to sit peacefully in a room.”
Monasticism has, for most of its history, recognized the truth of this statement and seen the “cell” (the small room a monk or nun inhabits) as a crucial element of spiritual formation. I’m reminded here of another quotation from Thomas à Kempis: “You’ll grow to love your cell if you learn to stay in it; if you don’t it will only be a drag.” [my translation] Of course a cell doesn’t have to be in a convent or monastery. Any dedicated space will do. The point is to have “a place apart,” to get comfortable being in that place (without the aid of flickering images and sound directly in front of you), and to quiet oneself internally.
I’ve heard lots of messages on Psalm 46.10 (“Be still and know that I am God”), but I don’t know of any instances where the practice of being alone and the skill of quieting oneself internally are presented and taught as part of the basic grammar of discipleship to Jesus. Yes, churches here and there offer seminars and classes that introduce people to more contemplative practices, but these are presented as good ideas to be considered rather than essentials to be mastered.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer made the sound observation that community is loaded with danger for people who aren’t comfortable being alone (and conversely, that solitude is toxic for people unanchored from community). His point is that learning to be alone teaches us how to be with others. The practice of solitude, then, brings health to the community. In the subtraction of people and words, there’s finally room for addition. We can understand at deeper levels that God is present, that God is sovereign, that God is good.
Not once have I ever come back from a period away for solitude, silence and prayer feeling less capable of being with others. In every instance I’ve returned more aware of who God is, who I am in God, and what my place is among his people and creation. As odd as this may sound, I come back realizing that in the final analysis I don’t need them in order to know who I am or whose I am. If I don’t need them then I’m free to love them. But if I need them I’m likely to manipulate them.
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Dave & Jody,
It sure was wonderful being at Vineyard Central recently with Kristi Hickman’s group. You certainly have a peaceful, graceful retreat center and church. I do envy the peace and quiet. I don’t even recall hearing so much as a car drive by. I’ve always been drawn to places of silence and solitude. I’ve loved reading about monasteries and abbeys. Comes from camping as a young child — no tvs, phones, etc. back then. Stayed once at the old hotel at Lakeside on Lake Erie and felt my room was much as the nuns and monks enjoyed. Just the cell with sm bed, table, lamp & chair. Was very comforting.
Thank you again for being obedient to the Lord and planting Vineyard Central. You are a model I intend to treasure — who knows, I may be able to come back soon.
Blessings,
Patti Stanton
Vineyard Church of Columbus
Admin Assistant to Stephen Van Dop Associate Pastor
614-259-5303
[...] have them in order to develop a beautifully written story of faith with your life. Our good friend, Dave Nixon has some amazing thoughts about the contemplative life. (Just play around over on the sustainable [...]