“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
I created this devotion after reading Sady Doyle’s article titled “We’re All Learning the Art of Loneliness.” It is an art that few of us have nurtured or mastered. It is an art, like painting, dance, or playing the guitar. The more you practice it, the better you become, if you practice properly. Anyone who has ever played an instrument can tell you that there is productive and unproductive practicing. The same is true with the art of aloneness.
If your practice of aloneness is getting up late, spending hours zoned out binge-watching Netflix, and drinking vodka until you pass out for the night, your practice isn’t very beneficial. The practice of aloneness requires intentional effort, including routine, discipline, and goals. Your current isolation needs the same discipline as learning a musical instrument.
Here are a few ways to start practicing the art of aloneness. First, get up at the same time each day, as if you were going to work. Set a schedule and stick to it. Set a meal plan that includes more than frozen pizza. If you aren’t a chef, use this opportunity to read some recipes and try some new dishes. Exercise each day. Begin and end your day with prayer, some devotional activity, and passages of scripture. To master the art of aloneness, you must work on your mind, body, and soul.
Today, recognize that Doyle is correct: “isolation worsens our distress, making it easy to spiral and panic and burn out.” Learning the art of being alone helps us remain caring, supportive, and vital. We need to master the art of aloneness so that when we are with others, we have something left within our minds and souls to offer our families and other relationships. Let’s get to work making each day an artistic endeavor.
