The Discerning Leader Podcast Alone and Not Lonely (Solitude) | An Advent Journey of Attentiveness
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Dec 23, 2025 
Join Matt Scott, a co-host and expert in spiritual formation, as he explores the transformative power of solitude during Advent. Discover how solitude, far from being lonely, fosters deeper connections and enriches community life. Matt distinguishes healthy solitude from isolation and shares personal stories illustrating its gifts. Learn about the healing and clarity solitude can bring, along with practical insights for cultivating attentiveness. This enlightening conversation invites listeners to embrace stillness and renew their love for God and others.
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Solitude Versus Isolation
- Solitude is a purposeful retreat to commune with God rather than a hiding from others.
- Isolation feels protective and punitive, while solitude is intentional and renewing.
Wordless Community On Retreat
- Steve describes a silence-and-solitude retreat where shared silence formed a deep, wordless community.
- He later connected with a priest on a separate retreat and they now stay in touch despite almost never speaking there.
Solitude Teaches Threefold Lessons
- Silence and solitude teach us about God, ourselves, and community in ways talkative activity often cannot.
- Practiced in community, solitude matures relationships rather than breaking them.