The Value of Sitting with Ourselves

“All of humanity's problems stem from man's inability to sit quietly in a room alone.” ―  Blaise Pascal, Pensées

"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

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I remember being a kid and my mother deploying the classic "Go sit down and think about what you have done," after I stepped out of line. The "Quiet Sit" was one of the few non-violent punishments in my parents' arsenal. In some ways I found it preferable to other forms of discipline. In other ways, it was more torturous than methods that delivered swift justice. There I was, assigned with contemplating the unassuming question - "What have you done?" Stewing in my own anger and frustration. Working through the gauntlet of blame and guilt and justice, and where I fit into it all. If things went according to my mother's plan, I would arrive at some level of responsibility and perhaps a hint of contrition. It was simple but effective.

Forty-some-odd years later, I found myself wrestling with sitting quietly once again. I realized that I was slowly drowning in busyness, noise, and distraction. My focus waxed and waned during my morning devotional time. My days continuously interrupted by a flurry of notification dings. Free moments filled with podcasts, music, and other background noise. Work tasks increasingly overflowing into time set aside for other things. These things aren't particularly heinous in and of themselves. Nonetheless, I colluded with them in creating a lifestyle of overstimulation and divided attention.

I had to ask myself the question: Am I using busyness and a noise-bathed existence to distract me from myself? Have I become that uncomfortable with sitting with my self? I have since endeavored to live with fewer distractions and less background noise. I am becoming reacquainted with the quality of my own thoughts, the tenor of my own voice, and the texture of my own soul. Progress has been slow (as all true and lasting progress is) but impactful.

I needed time dedicated to sitting with myself. My brain needed it. My soul needed it, too. The Resilient Pastor Cohort offer ministers a rare space to do just that - room to slow down and sort things out. To sit with themselves. To wrestle with ideas and questions that follow them home. It is a time and space crafted for slow, deliberate growth that lasts. If this resonates with you, we'd love to sit down with you for a cup of coffee.