Welcome to “Athlos” a weekly blog which examines pillars of personal excellence and regularly brings together the worlds of Christian spirituality and sport.
Strength in solitariness
“Help me to find strength in the solitariness, peace in the silence and the presence of God in the absence of friends.”-Prayer of Margaret T. Taylor
Peace in the silence
Over the past few days, I have found myself enjoying brief moments of solitude and silence amid busy days at work and with the family. Sometimes, I would sit on my verandah, while at other times I would turn off the car radio. I have longed for it recently due to a number of challenges happening close together. Those times of peace have been majestic.
It seems to me that inner peace and tranquility are treasures to be guarded. They are hard to attain and so must be fiercely protected. We must be intentional. Life will simply not pause to allow you to experience the beauty of an unhurried day. You must fight for it.
Perhaps you have noticed athletes who, just before a major game, shut themselves out from the rest of the world, including their teammates. Why do they do it? Is it to get ‘in the zone’? To settle their nerves? To visualize what they want to do in the match? I am not certain as I never played sport at the elite level. I suspect, though, that something about the silence works for them.
Are you in need of peaceful silence today? Please give yourself the opportunity to pause during the upcoming days for an intentional period of strength-building solitariness. It does not have to be long, but it should be of a high quality, which often happens when no one else is around. Step out of the office or classroom. Leave your home. Take a walk in a nearby park. There is a window of awesome solitude waiting for you today. Bask in it.
Divine presence
You may be surprised to know that at those moments when it feels like no-one is there, God is more accessible than ever. Slow down enough to embrace his divine presence.
If you were inspired by this blog, please consider sharing it with one other person today. To learn more about these and other related themes that promote the cultivation of an integrated inner self, read UNBEATABLE! which is available on Amazon in print and as an e-book
This Post Has 2 Comments
Solitariness as you stated brings strength and I am so much in need of it daily. It works. It refocuses me with the busy environment I am in and I sometimes have to pull back and sometimes I don’t. It is a great point to remind me of the need for it in my life. Thank you.
Thanks, Michelle. Solitude may well be one of the world’s best kept secrets.