It wasn’t the brutal whipping by guards, nor torture by prison officials, prisoners were afraid of, but the horror of solitary confinement.

They were dragged screaming from their cells, to be alone with themselves for twenty- four hours, quite often a week, or sometimes for very, very long periods of time.

Solitary confinement was a cruel punishment, to be left alone with themselves!

This type of confinement had severe psychological and emotional effects, including anxiety, depression, and even hallucinations.

Their minds played tricks, their imagination painted scenarios that their normal minds could easily have erased, but here all alone, those thoughts became real life like horror scenes.

But…

…there were a few who in the stillness of solitary confinement, found an unexpected sense of peace. The absence of external distractions allowed for a deeper connection with themselves and with the Divine.

As the Psalmist wrote, “Even in darkness, light dawns for the upright” (Psalm 112:4).

And, as many found God’s presence in their cell, it became a catalyst for spiritual growth. In the silence, they begin to hear the whispers of God’s presence, guiding and comforting them.

They heard verses from the scriptures, words from apostle Paul who wrote, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation” (Philippians 4:12).
And so the presence of God, or a higher power, provided comfort, solace, and companionship in the midst of isolation.

And so, it is with loneliness!

Unlike solitary confinement, you can be lonely even while there are people around you. Because you feel that they are but a physical presence and are not interested in your life or wellbeing.

This is the time to search like the ones who went through solitary, for the companionship of the Higher Power. It is said that God is never far away, because He is always one step behind, so look behind and reach out.

Being alone, when sons and daughters have left can be sad and sorrowful to many, but for those who hold onto their faith, this form of solitary confinement can be a transformative experience.
As the poet Rainer Maria Rilke wrote, “The only journey is the one within.” Solitary confinement can become a journey of self-discovery, facilitated by the presence of God. Imagine a journey into your mind. Imagine finding out what your fears are, and how to tackle them, and then the journey back after being transformed to a new you.

And then on your return to your original state, with others around you, they ask, “Weren’t you lonely, being all by yourself?”

“I was never alone!” you answer with a smile, and they wonder at the new peace they see on your face…!

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