Newfield Hermitage

In the Judeo-Christian tradition solitude has always carried a sense of intimacy with God. 

The prophet Hosea describes God “alluring” persons to the desert to speak to their heart. Psalm 46 voices God’s invitation, “Be still and know that I am God.” 

Jesus withdrew to deserted places both to make great decisions and to pray after particularly full days of preaching and healing. In turn, he invited his disciples to do the same.

 The practice of withdrawing into solitude has continued over the centuries as individuals and groups explored ways to engage in this deeply spiritual experience. For some it was traveling to wild, deserted places. For others it was withdrawing to the mountains, ocean or woods.