mini SNIPPETS September 3, 2010 for website

Although I say one day I will, I probably won't ... travel solo to our Florida beach house. My good friend "B" often treks to her second home near the Delaware beaches. I am in complete awe of her when she does this. She's good about spending time with herself - sometimes for an entire weekend. Alone. This is what she says about her "B" time:

"I reacquaint myself with me. Having a busy career, husband and teen twins is a challenge - so many voices in my ear - can't hear myself think.
By going alone I reconnect with myself and hear my thoughts. All relationships require compromise, consideration and negotiation. When I am alone, I don't have to worry about those. I have the opportunity to recharge and take care of my needs. I always return with peace and I'm ready to go. I have learned that with such a full life,
my alone time helps to keep me balanced."
~ "B"

woman on beach

Now ... I have gone to the movies alone ... I will eat out alone ... or sit in Starbucks slurping a coffee alone. I bike, swim or walk alone, no problem. As a matter of fact, at age 50, I am better at the "alone" scene than I ever have been. I've discovered that "the quiet" is quite nice ... and beneficial ... introspectively, soulfully, mindfully, spiritually, and emotionally. But those coffee/movie/restaurant jaunts are baby jaunts; I know I can quickly jump back into "the noise" all too readily, and find people again.

What am I afraid of? Too much quiet? Too much introspection? Alone in Florida, I would be faced with days of quiet nothing, turning inward like a monk on a silent retreat.

Could I do it? Could you? Could we go that deep into the quiet? Maybe we don't because we are afraid of listening to what we - or God - would say to ourselves. Is that a possibility?