Silence & Solitude

Why are we always busy? What are we missing in our 24/7, always “on” world?

In this episode, Fr. Dan Groody and Richard Leider discuss the themes of silence and solitude, their importance to a good life, and practical ways to implement solitude practice into your own life.

Integrations

Your Integration is to track how you spend your time and how you use your phone. Track how you spend your time throughout the week. Write down what you did for each 30 minute time slot, and add any notes on your energy levels, emotions, or comments on the activity. At the end of the day, review how you spent your time and write a short reflection on how the process is going.

To track your phone use and screen time, follow the respective guidelines for iOS and Android devices. Turn on Screen Time if you have not previously used it, and then use “See all Activity” to see data on your average screen time per day, breakdowns by app, and how many times you picked up your phone.

At the end of the week, look back at both for patterns. What did you spend a lot of time doing? What surprised you? When did you feel most engaged and why?

In today’s world, technology is everywhere. While it has its advantages, it can leave us feeling like we are always “online” and often never get a break. Our constant engagement with technology and social media leave us little time to rest. Such tiredness can also contribute to feelings of exhaustion, anxiety and isolation. This Integration exercise is about stepping back and unplugging. On physical, emotional, and spiritual levels, each person needs periods of solitude and silence to reset, recharge, and reconnect with what is important in one’s life. As Fr. James Martin puts it, “sometimes you need to disconnect to connect.”

Your Integration is to engage in some form of solitude practice. Schedule 10-30 minutes each day to practice silence and solitude. Try it first without your phone or other electronic devices.

About the Podcast:

Meaningful conversations about the things that matter most to people: their purpose, identity, and direction in life.  Hosted by Fr. Dan Groody, Vice President and Associate Provost at the University of Notre Dame.