Why Solitude?

The pace is fast. The pressure is high. The risks are real. You sense it; your spouse senses it; your people sense it. If we don't weave rest, retreat, solitude, and reflection into the rhythm of our lives, burnout and spiritual dryness become real possibilities. Reflective, God-focused rest is critical, but in our demand-fueled world, we've largely lost this practice.

Jesus knew the importance of intentional, God-focused rest, which is why He frequently set aside the demands of life and ministry and snuck away for time alone with His Father and time with His disciples. And it's why He encouraged us to come to Him: "Come unto me, all you who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest" (Mt. 11:28).

We know this, too, and that's why we created Cypress Hollow Iowa. Cypress Hollow Iowa exists to provide opportunities for intentional, God-focused rest, especially to those who live and work on the front lines, such as ministry workers and mission-minded businesspeople.

Solitude is good for your soul

"Withdrawing from the presence of all but God affords an excellent occasion for focused thinking about gospel truths and realities, freshly applying the gospel to our souls again, and reflecting on the blessings and hopes that are ours through the gospel... Seek solitude for the sake of your soul."

Donald S. Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life

Solitude helps the heart

"To recover his heart's desire a man needs to get away from the noise and distraction of his daily life for time with his own soul. He needs to head into the wilderness, to silence and solitude. Alone with himself, he allows whatever there is to come to the surface."

John Eldredge, Wild at Heart

Solitude as spiritual discipline

"Don't you feel a tug, a yearning to sink down into the silence and solitude of God? Don't you long for something more? Doesn't every breath crave a deeper, fuller exposure to His Presence? It is the discipline of solitude that will open the door."

Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline