People often think of solitude as something to be avoided. It is usually seen as some sort of punishment, like solitary confinement in a prison.

Solitude, however, can be a huge gift and is actually necessary for a healthy, balanced life.

In fact, when we’re busy or stressed out, solitude seems like a rare and awesome gift. (If the video below doesn’t make you want to head out to the high country by yourself, I don’t know what will.)

Loneliness vs. Solitude

Of course, loneliness is at epidemic levels in our society now and nobody enjoys the sense of being lonely.

So, what’s the difference between loneliness and solitude?

Loneliness comes from wanting and needing to connect with others in a meaningful way but not being able to do so.

Either you don’t have quality friendships in your life or you’ve been separated from your friends for some reason. You have an almost undeniable desire to be with friends, but you can’t.

Loneliness is never fun or enjoyable. It’s a sign the new investments need to be made in your relationships, or that new relationships need to be formed.

In other words, loneliness is a cue to either get together with some friends or make new friends.

We have been designed to have meaningful relationships in our lives and a lack of those will trigger loneliness.

Solitude is something different.

Solitude is the act of disengaging from others for a brief period of time to focus and recharge.

Intentional solitude tends to reset us mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

As much as we were designed to have great relationships in our lives, we were also designed to have periods of solitude. Both are essential for a quality life.

Beyond the peace and the quiet, beyond the introspection and ability to detox from the hustle and bustle of our lives, solitude gives us an opportunity to connect with God in unfettered and focused ways.

Intentional solitude combined with a focused seeking of God is always powerful. We normally call things like this a ” retreat” but whatever you call it, people have been practicing this exercise for thousands for years for good reason.

The Danger of Solitude

Solitude is a gift but it does come with one danger.

We can be tempted to stay there and never return. We can enjoy the mountain top experience so much that we refuse to come back.

This is where solitude slips into selfishness and people become hermits. This is to be avoided at all costs.

Again, a healthy, balanced life should include periods of solitude mixed into a  life that’s filled with engagement with others.

What about You?

What about you? Do you have enough solitude in your life? Do you need more? Have you ever taken a retreat just to seek God?

Perhaps you need to put some solitude time on your calendar today.

[box style=”rounded”]Please take a moment and tell me about at time in your life when you’ve experienced positive solitude.[/box]