Years ago, a friend of ours felt very frustrated and unhappy, and moved his family to a remote place near a forest. His wife became the breadwinner, while he stayed home to take care of their only son.
Our spiritual teacher sent him a message: It was good to spend some time in solitude and reflection to achieve inner happiness. Solitude does not mean that you’re totally alone—it means immersing yourself in the spiritual dimension with the Supreme Friend and meditating on His unconditional love for us.
With that advice, my friend started going to the forest. Each day, he would pick a quiet spot where he could meditate.
Inner peace
Days grew into weeks, months and years. Gradually, his feelings of frustration and unhappiness faded away. His heart had been cleansed, and he felt inner peace.
My friend related how a couple similarly experienced real peace in solitude by simply being in their house. The husband’s corner was in the bedroom, while his wife was by herself in the porch. After meditating for an hour each day, they began to experience the joy of being connected with the Supreme Friend.
We need not be afraid of silence nor fear solitude. We only need to turn to Him for guidance, protection—and real love!