What does solitude mean to you?
Why do you think it’s important to be alone sometimes?
Where do you go to spend time by yourself?
How do you feel after you have spent some time in solitude?
And when He had
sent the mulitudes away,
He went up into a
mountain apart to pray:
and when the evening
was come, He was
there alone.
Matthew 14:23
Good to be Home 
Beautiful photos, Shanda ~ Since the children are grown, there is a lot of alone time at home now ~ it was so difficult to adjust to it, but now I enjoy it ~ quiet enough to think and contemplate and even things like being able to make my own schedule for the day instead of being scheduled by everyone else ~ it is just so different now, and even though I loved that time of my life, I like this time just fine too ~
Amen. Solitude is a time when I can hear my Father. My soul longs for those times…either sitting quietly in the morning with tea and the Bible or roaming in the hills above our town. I don’t even realize how much I need it till I’m experiencing it.The fog blanketing the field in your 1st image is lovely. I have always liked thick fog…it quiets the world and dims the bright colors, granting a peaceful solitude.
I got to go to Borders yesterday by myself for an hour. I spent it with Jesus and John Piper. I came home refreshed!!!
Breath takingly beautiful Pictures, that is all I can say about them. I bet you were up early to get these pictures.
I stop by to tell you I have somthing for you at my site. Stop by to see what it is. :o)
Kelly
Those are beautiful photos — somehow they epitomize the feeling of solitude, with its hushed, relaxing feeling. Living alone, I have learned that there is a huge difference between ‘alone’ and ‘lonely.’ And ‘solitude’ adds dimension to that difference — it is relaxing, reflective, refreshing — a wonderful feeling in the midst of our busy lives.
I love solitude. For me, it’s like breathing, I need it. I have to stay up way too late these days to get any, though. 🙂
Solitude…and silence… breeding grounds for inspiration, perfect for problem solving and perspective forming and reforming; it’s when my mind and heart have a chance to catch up on what’s happening in life, and are often able to make sense of the chaos. A walk in the woods, a quiet lake or a rippling brook, a cemetery (great place to ponder the real meaning and purpose of life!)… those are ideal. And occasionally, when there has been no time for solitude in the day, I lie awake in bed, and in the quiet of the night, my heart and mind come together, and when my soul is at rest, I sleep.
Solitude for me depends. It can mean I am completely alone with no people around me…or I can be alone with people who don’t make demands on me (like in a store). It means time to focus on me and what’s on my mind. I need it to hear God’s quiet voice and to hear my own voice too sometimes. I leave feeling relaxed, refreshed, peaceful. Where do I go? Currently…no place. I have two under 3, one still nursing.
Beautiful pictures! I can’t say that I get solitude very much.
Solitude is a beautiful thing, isn’t it? I think it is important because the Scripture says to “be still and know that I am God,” and that He sometimes speaks in a “still, small voice.” For me, solitude preferably means to be alone with God; however, when this cannot be achieved I believe it can be a state of the heart. I can find moments of solitude while washing dishes, showering, in bed while my husband is showering, or walking to the mailbox. I remember reading that Susannah Wesley would sometimes just throw her apron over her head to shut out the world for prayer! My favorite time for solitude is early in the morning. It is amazing how refreshed and renewed I feel, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally, after being alone for a while. I think solitude must be a discipline that is achieved very intentionally, because our fast-paced society does not naturally lend itself to it.
Solitude is beautiful, peaceful ALONE time. Usually out in nature for me! For people like me, it is SO crucial! I get totally uncentered if I don’t get it periodically. I think all people need it, to one extent or another, but some of us need it more. After I get it, I’m ready to minister as a wife, pastor’s wife, and counselor, yet again!
gorgeous! solitude is something i have to have the older i get. it’s where i can hear my Father just like mary said above. He wants us to life a life of cummunion and to have private time communing with Him. it’s a time to refresh, to regroup and to grow. your photos are amazing!
Solitude,the state of being alone. Preferable *being* alone So that I can pour out my hearts cries to HimI have learned that my room, or the bathroom will surely do, in the absence of a lovely woods or pondI feel refreshed and able to go on, for the next few minutes, or hours; until He and I can meet that way again…
Solitude… I feel like the weight of the world has been lifted off my shoulders after I spent time alone with Him. He shows me he cares about me and how he desires to take away my burdens, so that He may truly be glorified in my life.It reminds me of the “Ten Shekel Shirt” song… You’re calling me to lay aside the worries of my dayTo quiet down my busy mind and find a hiding placeWorthy, WorthyI open up my heart and let my spirit worship YoursI open up my mouth and let a song of praise come forthWorthy, You are worthychorusOf a child-like faithAnd of my honest praise And of my unashamed loveOf a holy lifeAnd of my sacrificeAnd of my unashamed loveThe pictures are beautiful, Shanda!!
Moments of Solitude…..awwww….I like being around people, but there are times when I just want to be alone for a little while. Just last evening I was out on the mower and Dh wondered if I wanted him to take over…”no, I’m fine”. Later I told him I was enjoying my peace and quiet. He didn’t think being on a mower was quiet…=)
Over the years I have learned to LOVE solitude, without it I don’t think I would handle being a Mom of eight very well. My favorite places of solitude all involve water. I have a favorite pond that is surrounded by beautiful gardens. I have a favorite spot on river and my most favorite spot is at ocean, the smell of the and sun dancing on the water is so tranquil. I praise God that He has given me all of these beautiful spots right near my home. I LOVE to sit and read my Bible and then pour my heart out to our loving Father, it feels like He created these special places of solitude just for me.
mmmm… I am much more a lover of solitude than people think I am. I needed it today. Didn’t get it. Solitude for me, is any unninterupted time. Time with God without distraction. Time with my thoughts. Solitude is the gift of time.
Solitude for me is time alone in the quiet of the morning (when I can get it). I can read my Bible and study and learn. I can just enjoy being “still” and looking at the wonder that God has created. I need my daily quiet time to help me refresh and be ready for whatever the day brings. I love my family and life, but need to recharge my batteries frequently.Blessings
Solitude for me? It’s spending quiet time with the Lord. : )
Simple solitude equals me in communion with the Father. It must be quiet for me to hear that still small voice and give my utmost attention to the Lord. For me, if the weather permits, it’s usually outdoors or in our back quiet room looking out and up to the trees as I talk to God and read His Word.
Sweet hour of prayer!
Beautiful pic, Blessings to you, ~Amelia
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<TD id=HB_Focus_Element vAlign=top width=”100%” background=”” height=250 UNSELECTABLE=”off”>Sipping on hot tea or coffee with my Bible or a uplifting book, talking with the Lord, and writing in a journal. I also love walking outside, brings me peace.
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Solitude is difficult at home these days. Some one is always asking for this or that. I get it occasionally outdoors but most of the solitude I get is at the church. Since I have been in charge of something for the past 15 years, I get a key and the security codes. I have spent many hours in my choir room or in the sanctuary. Most of the time praying, sometimes contemplating.
On the good days I see the future. All the good that Christ has waiting.
On the bad days I see all my mistakes and wonder how He can continue to love me.
Solitude?
an absolute necessity…like breathing…quiet time alone…refreshing…hearing Him speak through His Word…
Where?
any place quiet.
Solitude . . . when I think of the word I think immediately of peace and quiet. I think of being alone with God. Solitude to me is finding that comfortable spot, having stillness and quiet, no interuptions/distractions and just totally and completely devoting time to the Lord–talking to Him and getting renewed from His word. Right now in my life I can be at home and be in this kind of solitude because its just me and Jeremy but down the road . . . don’t know. I’ve always loved walking and even though there is so much around me I feel alone with God. I think sometimes we need to be alone to realize we’re not alone even when we’re alone. I like to spend time in the garden, or just cuddled up with a blanket reading. I love to spend time alone on a walk or drive with my camera handy. I think we can find solitude in a hectic setting though if we find it in the Lord. You may be able to attest to that more than I can. I know people who can have kids running laps around them but can smile and be an solitude because God has given them peace amidst the craziness. I don’t know if I’m making any sense. I’m just typing as I’m thinking. I’m glad you’ve got me thinking of this! Love ya, Lish
Being comfortable with silence.
My study with a large window over the desk that was Steve’s Grandmother’s. My chair at the far end of the back yard. Borders. Cemetary. Walking. When I was a child it was my Grandmother’s Attic I would spend hours looking out the window. As a teenager it was the lilac tree in our backyard. Really any place that feels mine.
I gain so much strength from be able to breathe..away from distractions and stimulations. Even if it is a car ride alone with no radio on.
I dont get a lot of solitude….but yesterday I sat on my porch alone (well not entirely,,,,my feverish little one cuddled in my lap with her favorite blankie:) and I read my bible and wrote in my prayer journal. In solitude is where I ca really express my heart to God and hear His direction for me. Solitude is where I am most refreshed to face what I need to face in life. I think solitude is very important for us mothers…to seek it out here and there.