Spiritual Hermits
September 7th, 2007 by John Wolfe
Years ago when people used to hear about someone committing themselves to pursuing spiritual growth and development, images of lonely, celibate monks and hermits were the stereotypical images that came to mind- and usually for good reason. Many believed it was necessary to undergo long periods of isolation to actively pursue what was considered a higher path.
However, in modern spirituality and new age teachings there has been a shift away from these old beliefs- to the point of implying it’s impossible to grow spiritually when isolating one’s self from others. The idea is that through immersion and exposure you actually have more opportunity to grow than if you followed a more solitary path.
I think this logic is fine until it crosses over into implying that those that choose to follow a more isolated route are wrong or they are short changing themselves for doing so. The implication that there is only one true, correct way to achieving anything is something I completely disagree with.
I believe strongly in following our own inner guidance and pursuing what feels natural to each of us. For some (as it pertains to this subject) that may mean isolation, while others may feel they grow and expand better through interaction. I believe there can be advantages and disadvantages to both scenarios, but neither approach is more appropriate than the other.
I have pursued a lot of my own spiritual development from a place of being slightly hermit like. This isn’t for strategic purposes or because I’m trying to withstand some form of punishment. Introversion just feels natural even though I do care about people. While I’ve never completely isolated myself, I am fairly quiet and introspective. For me, the majority of insights and clarity I’ve obtained in my life (so far) have come during times of being more withdrawn.
Even though I was fairly introverted as a child and young adult, I still felt the need to seek approval from everyone around me. This was a character trait that quickly turned into a way of life. I found myself constantly worrying over the opinion of others and obtaining my identity through their eyes. It’s little wonder, after many years of this behavior; I didn’t know who I was. All I did know was that I had to do my best to make everyone happy, while trying to persuade them to like me.
I reached a point where I realized I was emotionally overextended and psychologically making myself sick, so I completely pulled back from any major social interaction. The initial result was that I felt even worse. This period marked a withdrawal from having any peers to turn toward to help shore up my self confidence. I was now required to be the provider of my own reassurance. Looking back on it, I understand I was going through the initial stages of realizing I needed to take full responsibility for everything in my life.
As I continued to become more introverted and self exploratory, I began to tap into many of the same spiritual experiences I discussed in Connecting With the Mystical (and other posts throughout the Wind of the Soul blog). The issues I wrote about in that post, which ultimately helped to open my inner awareness, were compounded by the lack of having an identity, along with my need to constantly receive approval.
I can now approach my past experiences of insecurity from a point of appreciation because they were extremely beneficial in bringing me to an awakening of sorts. In my situation, I believe isolation was absolutely necessary to help me break the cycle of the lack of trust I had in my own judgment. By removing myself from any extensive interactions (outside of the usual “necessary” ones) I was able to reach within, finding my identity and more self confidence. Had I stayed in my social circles I never would have come into the amazing experiences I now credit for much of my expanded understanding, as it pertains to my life.
It probably seems strange for someone who is a self proclaimed introvert to build a blog that reveals so many personal revelations about themselves. I feel this speaks on how much I really do care about people, by wanting to give as much insight and hopefully help to others that are in a place of being able to gain from what I have to share.
Plus, this isn’t a one sided deal. It’s through your participation that I feel I continue to learn, grow and expand as well. Your questions, comments and interest in my writing continue to inspire me, driving me forward to seek out more answers. When I look at it in that way- regarding all the visitors that come to this site, I now realize I am participating in spiritual development on a larger social scale than ever before.
In ending this post I want to reiterate my previous statement pertaining to there being no one correct way for pursuing spiritual growth. I would like to expand on that by saying it’s not even necessary to consciously or intentionally pursue it. Our entire lives are spiritual pursuits (even if we never realize it), yet some of us reach a place in which we desire to know more, either through solitary or not so solitary channels.
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Related Posts
Connecting With the Mystical
Shaking off Social Pressure to Achieve Self Actualization
Blazing Your Own Trail
Exploring and Creating Our Reality
