A Response Of The Heart – Henri Nouwen

The movement from loneliness to solitude should lead to a gradual conversion from an anxious reaction to a loving response. Loneliness leads to quick, often spastic, reactions which make us prisoners of our constantly changing world. But in solitude of heart, we can listen to the events of the hour, the day and the year and slowly “formulate,” give form to, a response that is really our own. In solitude, we can pay careful attention to the world and search for an honest response. (From: Reaching Out: The Three Movements of the Spiritual Life)