‘Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. Later Simon and the others went out to find him. But Jesus replied, “We must go on to other towns as well, and I will preach to them, too. That is why I came.” When they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you.” So he traveled throughout the region of Galilee, preaching in the synagogues and casting out demons.’ Mark 1:35-39 (NLT)
‘The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught. Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat. So they left by boat for a quiet place, where they could be alone. But many people recognized them and saw them leaving, and people from many towns ran ahead along the shore and got there ahead of them. Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.’ Mark 6:30-34 (NLT)
Are you uncomfortable in silence? Does the idea of solitude make you restless? Appreciating silence is especially difficult when I’m by myself. And those moments are rare given my wiring and personality. Times of solitude are times when I most desire sound. If I make time in the day to go for a run or a walk alone, there’s no way I’m going without my phone. I need some sort of sound in my head. Can you relate?
If you want to turn down the volume on the distractions in your life, you have to learn how to get quiet. That’s not easy because we live in a culture in which silence is scarce. Honestly, it may even be nonexistent. But getting comfortable with silence is a powerful tool for personal growth and leadership.
To be emotionally healthy, you have to turn down the noise long enough to allow space for curiosity. Curious people ask questions—about God, the world, other people, and themselves. And those questions lead to greater awareness and clarity. They lead to growth.
Throughout Mark’s Gospel, he shows us how important silence and solitude were in the life of Jesus. In one story, Jesus is preparing to speak to crowds in Galilee. Mark describes his routine: “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35). Jesus was so committed to practicing silence and solitude that even his closest followers didn’t know where he was. They had to go and look for him: “. . . and when they found him, they exclaimed: ‘Everyone is looking for you!’” (Mark 1:37). Clearly, the benefits of silence and solitude were a priority for Jesus!
What do you need to do to make the practice of silence and solitude a weekly or even daily practice in your life? When can you prioritize the practice of silence and solitude? Where can you go to be alone and turn down the volume of the distractions around you?
from How to Lead in a World of Distraction