Empty Spaces #3 - Solitude vs Lonliness

I recorded this episode for anyone who has felt isolated due to chronic pain or illness. In fact, the invitation extends to anyone feeling lonely at all. Hello friend! I know. I get it. I've been there. And today, I am exploring the idea of loneliness. What is it? What is the core need behind loneliness? Is it possible that solitude can actually be a tool to combat loneliness? It might sound like a far reach. But hey, it's worth exploring, right? Join me today as I share some from my story and also share a poem about someone in the Bible who also felt lonely and unseen. Support my Work: https://buymeacoffee.com/elizabethhayashi Subscribe to my Substack! ... My Reading: "Woman in the Desert" by Elizabeth Hayashi References: Here is the quote by my Substack friend who helped inspire today's conversation: "Solitude is a spiritual discipline, an intentional separating from people with the purpose of being free from the ‘need’ for people and our dependence on receiving their affirmation. Solitude also sets aside time to be alone with our Father. Loneliness is a manifestation of our dependence on the affirmations of people. Almost like a withdrawal symptom. Of course, affirmation isn’t bad in itself, but to depend on it for our peace is out of balance. Solitude counters the overbalance." (by Scott Boley; here's his Substack) Song reference: "I'll Be Here" by Joel Ansett Scriptures: "He has also set eternity in their hearts..." (Ecclesiastes 3:11) Psalm 139 Genesis 16 Music Credit: Kate Kody, "Butterfly;" all rights protected under the Creative Commons License; minor changes made to the length of the track.