The Desert Fathers, those early Christian spiritual pilgrims, retreated to caves to be alone with their thoughts, but irony pervaded their tradition of solitude. The monks sought the solitude of the desert as a way of seeking to confront God, one to One. Yet, through this experience, they became aware that “the giant agony of the world” couldn’t be ignored. Anthony, one of the first of these hermits, said, “With our neighbor is life and death.”
A life of solitude in a cell was not for those who weren’t ready. Another abbot, Abba Lucius, said that men must amend their lives among other people before than can be ready to dwell alone.
The seeking of salvation is more a state of mind and spirit than physical setting. And so it was also said, “It is better to have many about you and to live the solitary life in your will, than to be alone and have your mind’s desire be with the crowd.”
Take your stand by being where you are.