Why Solitude Is the Cure for Isolation
Solitude is a jolt to our souls. It helps us break through the distractions of life and brings us face-to-face with who we are and how God sees us.
Do you love the thought of solitude? If you’re a busy parent with young kids, this probably sounds ideal. You might think, “If only I could get a few moments of peace and quiet!”
It’s no secret that we live in a wild and chaotic world that has contributed to a lot of fear and anxiety. In 2024, of the top 10 bestselling new releases, only one was a nonfiction book. It was The Anxious Generation by social psychologist Jonathan Haidt. Among many observations, Haidt notes, “People don’t get depressed when they face threats collectively; they get depressed when they feel isolated, lonely, or useless.”[1]
What is driving these feelings of isolation, loneliness, or uselessness? Haidt would say the rise of smartphones and social media are key contributing factors. As he notes, the great irony of social media is that “the more you immerse yourself in it, the more lonely and depressed you become.”[2]
Chances are, I don’t need to tell you this. You’ve read the statistics, you’ve watched the videos, and you’ve listened to the podcasts telling you to stop scrolling on your phone and be present at the moment. You know it, but why can’t you seem to change? Why do you still find it so difficult to sit still?
