24 min

Maureen and Pierre discuss spiritual traditions of solitude versus the disaffectation of anxiety and isolation.

Spiritual practices include: Jesus in the desert for 40 days. Thoreau "On Walden Pond." Meditative practices. John Francis - not talking for 17 years. Modern disaffection include recent school shootings, which is on Maureen's mind as a former school teacher, mother, person.

It's counter-intuitive or perhaps 'unnatural' that there are these traditions of finding integration into society by withdrawing from society. Because we are so society bound, its not usual for a person to take up spiritual practices of solitude.

Maureen's website: Landscapes for Learning focuses on working out within, and the wisdom of knowing thyself. Often finding oneself involves being with oneself outside of the complications of society.

Maureen a former school teach brings up the flip side of the coin, a disaffected person who retreats from society and 'loses' themselves versus finding oneself via a spiritual tradition of separation. Recent school shootings, most if not all taking place from disaffected or mentally challenged males, raise the discussion point which Maureen wants to explore: is isolation healthy or not healthy for individuals.

The discussion leads back to a little known book about monastic life called: The Cloud of Unknowing.

Maureen reflects on her walkabout. A year of traveling and teaching yoga, separated from her normal roles of mother, teacher, dog owner, family member. The walkabout allowed Maureen to shed normal roles and live one day at a time.

If you are interested in a walkabout, you might enjoy listening. If you are interested in the power of 'unknowing' consider it as a concept to fully embrace the world you experience.

Discussion: Solitude vs. Isolation