Notes on the Writing Life

Natalie Goldberg's writing uplifts me, inspires me, makes me laugh, and makes me think. In her book Wild Mind, she writes:

 

       I said to my friend, "Writing is so lonely."

       He lifted his eyebrows. "Is there anything wrong with loneliness?" he asked.

       "No, I guess not," I said.

       "Anything you do deeply is very lonely."

       "Are you lonely?" I asked him.

       "Of course," he answered. "But I do not let it toss me away. It is just loneliness."

       So there you have it. There are days I think, how did I get into this writing? But here I am. And the truth is, I wanted it.*

 

Solitude and serenity are vital to the writer's life... and to the spiritual life. Yet there are ways in which we can be alone without being lonely. We have the Holy Spirit guiding us, teaching us, accompanying us everywhere. I'm often alone, but I'm rarely lonely. In fact, I cherish my quiet time and use it to fuel up for the fun times I spend with my husband, family and friends.

 

How do alone time and solitude figure into your spiritual equation? 

 

*From Natalie Goldberg, Wild Mind, 129-130.