Rhythms:: Solitude

A while back I heard about this thing called "floating". It remains to this day to be one of the more interesting experiences I've had. 

There are these sensory deprivation tanks in Portland at a place called Float On where you get in water with a super high concentration of salt that makes you float. These tanks don't let in light or sound and the water is heated to 93.5*, which they say is "skin receptor neutral". Basically, you don't hear, see, feel or fight gravity based on these factors and you float for 90 minutes. 

For some of you this sounds like heaven and for others of you this sounds like hell. 

The thing I most had to fight wasn't a fear of closed spaces or drowning, it was the pure isolation of it all. I don't often like to be alone. Being left with my thoughts feels like a punishment, not a respite. 

I've been really stretched recently to start exploring solitude more and more. In fact, I think God has something important for us without any other person or input around that is actually crucial when it comes to healthy engagement with community. 

I invite you to come out to Cascade this Sunday and hear from Colleen Millstein about this healthy rhythm of solitude and how we can allow God to shape and form us in that space in ways that aren't possible when we're surrounded by others.