The Discipline of Solitude Summary and Analysis

There is a difference between being alone and solitude. According to the author, "Loneliness is inner emptiness, and Solitude is inner fulfillment." In order for a person to have healthy relationships, they need to learn how to properly be alone.

Silence and solitude go hand in hand. Determining when to speak and when it is best to be silent is an important aspect to solitude. Many people feel helpless when they are being silent. Using words can fool someone into thinking they are in control, but using words to control becomes manipulation. When a person holds their words it give God the opportunity to work His plan in the situation.

The dark night of the soul is an intense experience of solitude that was originally described by Saint John of the Cross. It is a...