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Out of Solitude: Three Meditations on the Christian Life
Drawing on three moments in the life of Jesus, Henri Nouwen invites us to reflect on the tension between our desire for solitude and the demands of contemporary life. He reminds us that it was in solitude that Jesus found the courage to follow God's will. And he shows us that fruitful love and service must spring from a living relationship with God. Beautifully written, elegantly simple, Out of Solitude is as fresh today as it was thirty years ago.
63 pages, Paperback
First published November 30, 1973
About the author
Henri J.M. Nouwen
337 books1,875 followersHenri Jozef Machiel Nouwen (Nouen), (1932–1996) was a Dutch-born Catholic priest and writer who authored 40 books on the spiritual life.
Nouwen's books are widely read today by Protestants and Catholics alike. The Wounded Healer, In the Name of Jesus, Clowning in Rome, The Life of the Beloved, and The Way of the Heart are just a few of the more widely recognized titles. After nearly two decades of teaching at the Menninger Foundation Clinic in Topeka, Kansas, and at the University of Notre Dame, Yale University and Harvard University, he went to share his life with mentally handicapped people at the L'Arche community of Daybreak in Toronto, Canada. After a long period of declining energy, which he chronicled in his final book, Sabbatical Journey, he died in September 1996 from a sudden heart attack.
His spirituality was influenced by many, notably by his friendship with Jean Vanier. At the invitation of Vanier he visited L'Arche in France, the first of over 130 communities around the world where people with developmental disabilities live and share life together with those who care for them. In 1986 Nouwen accepted the position of pastor for a L'Arche community called "Daybreak" in Canada, near Toronto. Nouwen wrote about his relationship with Adam, a core member at L'Arche Daybreak with profound developmental disabilities, in a book titled Adam: God's Beloved. Father Nouwen was a good friend of the late Joseph Cardinal Bernardin.
The results of a Christian Century magazine survey conducted in 2003 indicate that Nouwen's work was a first choice of authors for Catholic and mainline Protestant clergy.
One of his most famous works is Inner Voice of Love, his diary from December 1987 to June 1988 during one of his most serious bouts with clinical depression.
There is a Father Henri J. M. Nouwen Catholic Elementary School in Richmond Hill, Ontario.
Nouwen's books are widely read today by Protestants and Catholics alike. The Wounded Healer, In the Name of Jesus, Clowning in Rome, The Life of the Beloved, and The Way of the Heart are just a few of the more widely recognized titles. After nearly two decades of teaching at the Menninger Foundation Clinic in Topeka, Kansas, and at the University of Notre Dame, Yale University and Harvard University, he went to share his life with mentally handicapped people at the L'Arche community of Daybreak in Toronto, Canada. After a long period of declining energy, which he chronicled in his final book, Sabbatical Journey, he died in September 1996 from a sudden heart attack.
His spirituality was influenced by many, notably by his friendship with Jean Vanier. At the invitation of Vanier he visited L'Arche in France, the first of over 130 communities around the world where people with developmental disabilities live and share life together with those who care for them. In 1986 Nouwen accepted the position of pastor for a L'Arche community called "Daybreak" in Canada, near Toronto. Nouwen wrote about his relationship with Adam, a core member at L'Arche Daybreak with profound developmental disabilities, in a book titled Adam: God's Beloved. Father Nouwen was a good friend of the late Joseph Cardinal Bernardin.
The results of a Christian Century magazine survey conducted in 2003 indicate that Nouwen's work was a first choice of authors for Catholic and mainline Protestant clergy.
One of his most famous works is Inner Voice of Love, his diary from December 1987 to June 1988 during one of his most serious bouts with clinical depression.
There is a Father Henri J. M. Nouwen Catholic Elementary School in Richmond Hill, Ontario.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
April 9, 2019
I always find such comfort reading Henri Nouwen. It is like listening to a trusted, wise friend.
June 26, 2023
“As long as we are occupied and preoccupied with our desire to do good but are not able to feel the crying need of those who suffer, our help remains hanging somewhere between our minds and our hands and does not descend into the heart where we can care. But in solitude, our heart can slowly take off its many protective devices, and can grow so wide and deep that nothing nothing human is strange to it.”
There is more wisdom, power, and urgency in this 60-page booklet than most books of thrice that length could ever hope to capture. Nouwen’s meditations springboard off of scripture and carry the audience toward a gentle, yet firm, call to action. Not toward the action of doing more, but of caring more. Of not rejecting solitude and, indeed, loneliness, but reveling in the opportunities and power that can be found there.
Nouwen’s insights are as timely and meaningful as they could ever be. This is absolutely essential reading, and I hope to revisit it often, for God knows I will need to be reminded of and pushed toward the wisdom contained in its pages.
October 21, 2023
There’s not many Christian contemporary books that I would want to”tattooed” (metaphorically of course) to the inside of my eyelids so that I could wake up every day & see them & close my eyes & be reminded of their words. But MAN OH MAN IS THIS ONE OF THEM! Nouwen is seriously my favorite contemplative author & theologian & thinker & I’m just enthralled with his perspective all the time.
Fave quote: “That is the great conversion in our life: to recognize and believe that the many unexpected events are not just disturbing interruptions of our projects, but the way in which God molds our hearts and prepares us for his return.”
Fave quote: “That is the great conversion in our life: to recognize and believe that the many unexpected events are not just disturbing interruptions of our projects, but the way in which God molds our hearts and prepares us for his return.”
February 28, 2023
A beautiful little book, written very thoughtfully. Full of compassion, hope, and encouragement.
Two of my favorite quotes from the book:
“In solitude we can slowly unmask the illusion of our possessiveness and discover in the center of our own self that we are not what we can conquer, but what is given to us.”
“In solitude we become aware that our worth is not the same as our usefulness.”
Two of my favorite quotes from the book:
“In solitude we can slowly unmask the illusion of our possessiveness and discover in the center of our own self that we are not what we can conquer, but what is given to us.”
“In solitude we become aware that our worth is not the same as our usefulness.”
November 2, 2022
Nouwens call to the practice of solitude, solidarity with those who suffer and hope for Christ’s return is a powerful vision for the Christian life. I have benefited greatly from his writing.
July 26, 2010
I have had an exceptional year when it comes to reading some really great books. This is another one to add to that list. Henry Nouwen is quickly becoming one of my favorite spiritual authors. He was a professor of Divinity at Yale, and yet somehow manages to say the most profound things using simple phrases that pull on the heart-strongs and make you go, "Yes, I've felt that way too!" This book talks about the importance of solitude, care, and expectation. He talks about how Jesus often withdrew to the lonely places and prayed, and how we as Christians can only maintain an active spirituality by finding out own lonley places where we meet with God and reconnect with our soul. He talks about the importance of care in life, and how people would rather not accept the kindess of charity if they know it is not bestowed with care. And expectation, that life is more than what we can see at hand.
Truly moving and inspiring.
Truly moving and inspiring.
April 15, 2016
This is such a slim, small book, yet it has depths of the deepest ocean within. First appering as sermons given at an university, its filled with sentences that strike you, in a good way.
The main point is about seeking solitude daily to get closer to God and becoming a better person. The writing is in three chapters, each with a theme: solitude + action (solitude is needed for our soul not to get lost in pursuits of life); care (being there), not just cure; and on hopeful expectation for things beyond limits of life, of waiting with patience and strong joy.
This book is easy to read again and again, and always find something in there. I can easily see this as a good support and guide on one's journey of life, and it leaves you with strength and peace. Nouwen can really write good stuff, and this is one of the greatest of them :)
The main point is about seeking solitude daily to get closer to God and becoming a better person. The writing is in three chapters, each with a theme: solitude + action (solitude is needed for our soul not to get lost in pursuits of life); care (being there), not just cure; and on hopeful expectation for things beyond limits of life, of waiting with patience and strong joy.
This book is easy to read again and again, and always find something in there. I can easily see this as a good support and guide on one's journey of life, and it leaves you with strength and peace. Nouwen can really write good stuff, and this is one of the greatest of them :)
April 27, 2020
Out of Solitude is a great little read. With only 63 pages it's a great book to read on your Sabbath. Lately I have been annoyed with authors who take too long to say what they want to say. In this short book Henri Nouwen gives three concise meditations on solitude and how it affects the Christian life. He doesn't use flowery language or give too many half-related stories. I really enjoyed the 2nd meditation on how we care and cure those around us. I am guilty of always wanting to cure people of what they are going through and this book reminded me of the importance of simple care within the community. I have heard a lot about Henri Nouwen and this book lives up to it! I recommend!
January 28, 2023
Henri Nouwen was a gifted writer whose works contain much to consider about the things of God. Perhaps his greatest challenge is near the end of the book based upon John 16:16, "In a short time you will no longer see Me, and then a short time later you will see Me again".
" We are living in this short time.....But it is the expectation of His return which molds our solitude and care into a preparation for the day of great joy." Something to think about.
I could read this book a dozen times and learn something new each time.
" We are living in this short time.....But it is the expectation of His return which molds our solitude and care into a preparation for the day of great joy." Something to think about.
I could read this book a dozen times and learn something new each time.
August 30, 2020
“It is in this solitude that we discover that being is more important than having, and that we are worth more than the result of our efforts.”
Poignant, convicting, and relevant. This book is a reminder that our worlds and minds are too loud and we must withdraw like Christ did for renewal and alignment with the Father in order to care for our world more and anticipate His future coming more fully.
Poignant, convicting, and relevant. This book is a reminder that our worlds and minds are too loud and we must withdraw like Christ did for renewal and alignment with the Father in order to care for our world more and anticipate His future coming more fully.
July 9, 2023
A short and powerful book that will encourage and remind the believer of the importance of solitude to loose the chains and dependence on the world's "grade-givers" in our work, to elevate care over cure through presence with those who are suffering, and to anticipate with Jesus's return which gives us strength and joy in our waiting.
August 31, 2021
crying at my desk as I finished this timely little book. Nouwen's words of wisdom, his challenge to live in the world but not of it, the exhortation to suffer with our brothers and sisters while holding onto the "joy that no one can take from us" - it all is a comfort. short and sweet.
November 19, 2020
simple, short, and sweet. full of heart and compassion.
May 9, 2023
Have loved and will continue to love ruminating on his thoughts!
September 19, 2023
wish that I could give this 10⭐️/5 - I should make it a habit to read this more often
October 20, 2018
In 63 pages, Nouwen presents solitude as the basis of intimate community, mutual vulnerability, real care that witnesses: “joy and sadness are as close to each other as the splendid colored leaves of a New England fall to the soberness of the barren trees.”
The story of the gnarled tree is brilliant: “Why is this tree so tall, so huge, so gnarled, so old and beautiful? Because it is useless. If it had been useful it would have been cut long ago and made into tables and chairs, but because it is useless it could grow so tall and so beautiful that you can sit in its shade and relax.”
The story of the gnarled tree is brilliant: “Why is this tree so tall, so huge, so gnarled, so old and beautiful? Because it is useless. If it had been useful it would have been cut long ago and made into tables and chairs, but because it is useless it could grow so tall and so beautiful that you can sit in its shade and relax.”
February 21, 2008
This is one of my favorite books to give as a gift. Great comfort and direction about how to understand your work--and it's place in your life. He works through the need for and joys of solitude. Then he explains the richness that a heart shaped by solitude brings to the community. He always ends with community.
If you've read Nouwen, you'll find that his style in Out of Solitude is different from other works. I don't know the reason for this. But he uses words a small child would understand--I think intentionally. It's very simply written, but no less powerful.
I read this book for the first time when I joined a weekend silent retreat at a little Catholic camp along the beach in Oregon. This was on their shelf. The book used to be hard to find. I used to pick up a copy every time I made it out to Powell's Books. It's short--a great book to pack for a quiet day away.
If you've read Nouwen, you'll find that his style in Out of Solitude is different from other works. I don't know the reason for this. But he uses words a small child would understand--I think intentionally. It's very simply written, but no less powerful.
I read this book for the first time when I joined a weekend silent retreat at a little Catholic camp along the beach in Oregon. This was on their shelf. The book used to be hard to find. I used to pick up a copy every time I made it out to Powell's Books. It's short--a great book to pack for a quiet day away.
May 12, 2009
Not finished yet, so can't say 5 stars, but it's on it's way! A couple favorite passages:
(From Thomas Merton's forward)
"The compulsion to cure is like action without a deep and silent center. We want to overcome problems and adversities and want to change at all costs. An alternative is to care for ourselves, each other, and our world. We wouldn't need change and cure if we were in a constant caring mode."
From the first section
"Somewhere we know that without a lonely place our lives are in danger. Somewhere we know that without silence words lose their meaning, that without listening speaking no longer heals, that without distance closeness cannot cure. Somewhere we know that without a lonely place our actions quickly become empty gestures."
Both relate to each other more than I initially noticed (until typing this). Yay for more enlightenment!
(From Thomas Merton's forward)
"The compulsion to cure is like action without a deep and silent center. We want to overcome problems and adversities and want to change at all costs. An alternative is to care for ourselves, each other, and our world. We wouldn't need change and cure if we were in a constant caring mode."
From the first section
"Somewhere we know that without a lonely place our lives are in danger. Somewhere we know that without silence words lose their meaning, that without listening speaking no longer heals, that without distance closeness cannot cure. Somewhere we know that without a lonely place our actions quickly become empty gestures."
Both relate to each other more than I initially noticed (until typing this). Yay for more enlightenment!
April 4, 2009
A short book, but thought-provoking. It's three meditations that were originally given as sermons. They are short and simple, but at the same time profound. I re-read two of them as soon as I had finished, so as to take them in better.
The first one talks about the need for withdrawing to be alone with God; the second about the need for care - for empathy, and suffering alongside people - in a society that's more concerned with cure. The third is about living in expectation of better things, and is the one I found least powerful.
I read one meditation per day for three days, and will no doubt return to this book again in the future. Definitely recommended. Four and a half stars really.
The first one talks about the need for withdrawing to be alone with God; the second about the need for care - for empathy, and suffering alongside people - in a society that's more concerned with cure. The third is about living in expectation of better things, and is the one I found least powerful.
I read one meditation per day for three days, and will no doubt return to this book again in the future. Definitely recommended. Four and a half stars really.
January 10, 2008
Nouwen packs a lot of simple, yet no less profound, wisdom into these three short meditations. Each is drawn from a Gospel lesson, with the interconnected focus of solitude, care, and expectation.
An excerpt:
'This is the great conversion in our life: to recognize and believe that the many unexpected events are not just disturbing interruptions of our projects, but the way in which God molds our hearts and prepares us for His return.'
An excerpt:
'This is the great conversion in our life: to recognize and believe that the many unexpected events are not just disturbing interruptions of our projects, but the way in which God molds our hearts and prepares us for His return.'
July 2, 2014
Nouwen reflects on the importance of solitude in achieving balance in our daily walk. Time spent alone with God allows us to become more aware of His purposes and equips us to let go of the world's.
This short but weighty set of three messages require time to percolate as there is much to contemplate.
Highly recommended.
This short but weighty set of three messages require time to percolate as there is much to contemplate.
Highly recommended.
December 17, 2014
Out of Solitude reads like a manual in advanced prayer - prompting more questions about one's self than it answers. The book contains three meditations on solitude, caring, and expectation. Each are scripturally-based and supported, giving the reader a firm foundation on which to assess their lives and discern the direction they wish to follow in light of these revelations.
December 20, 2008
I found this short book very refreshing. I want to read more Henri Nouwen. His style is very personal. He writes humbly and honestly out of his own struggles. I like how each section opens with a gospel passage emphasizing Christ's quiet times of solitude with his Father.
December 8, 2009
A wonderful tool for the comtemplative practice. I read it before bed and spend time in silence with God. Not a lot of words in this book, mostly a thought provoking ushering into moments of solitude.
November 8, 2007
This was the first book I read by Henri Nouwen. Love this author. He is one of those teachers that teaches from the heart of one who has "been there".
March 10, 2008
Like most Nouwen I've read, this was really rich. I wrote down a lot of quotes from a small book.
July 14, 2018
Jesus sought solitude. If we are to pursue his example, so should we. It will inform us and fill us with his love and security.
April 1, 2022
What profound little book. I know it's short, but it's full of so much wisdom. It's definitely worth the read. Henri Nouwen is no shallow writer, that's for sure.
September 30, 2018
These are some reflections from Father Nouwen on solitude, care and expectation.
The need for solitude in this age is much needed. Where we are easily propelled by a need to do, we have, at times, lost our way from simply being. Nouwen says solitude is the cornerstone for meaningful action. We seek solitude, with God, and are thus better equipped to help an ailing world. He only expresses much more beautifully than I can.
Contrary to the world's desire to cure (most) ills, simple and gracious care is critical to helping the world. In fact, Nouwen goes as far as saying that providing a cure without the requisite care can be more dangerous than leaving a person 'untreated' as it were. God is concerned for all and so we must thus be concerned for others regardless of whether or not we feel 'ready' or 'equipped' to help. Simply standing and grieving with another, with no wilful action to change the situation, is enough. I'd say it is more than enough. And that to care, we must be emptied of ourselves. We must do it each time to make room for the 'other.' This is the essential nature of care. And this way it must happen each time. This has been insightful as my current research concerns the concept of 'quality of care.' What is it really? And why is it so difficult to grasp and distil? It is thus so as it a relationship and is 'carried away with the wind' upon critical inspection.
Thirdly, the need to be expectant. What keeps caring people sane is that they have a hope that all shall be righted. I cry out for why we are not quite where we ought to be. But that it will be well, is what keeps me going. It will all be well. And Nouwen reflects that sadness and joy are necessarily conjoint. We are sad, but only for a time, but out joy is fulfilled in the future. I can think of an example. When you may have lost a child young in childbirth, your grief is appears unending and excruciating. Yet, your joy is perfected when you can confide in others and most of all console those who have been similar experiences. We are all called to blessings in this way. A further example is when a child leaves the nest for greener pastures but returns many years later for a glorious celebration and reunion. The examples are inexhaustible. Our joy is perfected in the patience (the root of which means 'to suffer and bear') in the trials and pains we now face. This does seem to the way for us. Patience pays it dividend, not that we are to know it as mere facts and 'head' knowledge.
I am in awe of the simplicity yet sheer depth of his reflections. A man inspired and touched by God. His words show as much.
The need for solitude in this age is much needed. Where we are easily propelled by a need to do, we have, at times, lost our way from simply being. Nouwen says solitude is the cornerstone for meaningful action. We seek solitude, with God, and are thus better equipped to help an ailing world. He only expresses much more beautifully than I can.
Contrary to the world's desire to cure (most) ills, simple and gracious care is critical to helping the world. In fact, Nouwen goes as far as saying that providing a cure without the requisite care can be more dangerous than leaving a person 'untreated' as it were. God is concerned for all and so we must thus be concerned for others regardless of whether or not we feel 'ready' or 'equipped' to help. Simply standing and grieving with another, with no wilful action to change the situation, is enough. I'd say it is more than enough. And that to care, we must be emptied of ourselves. We must do it each time to make room for the 'other.' This is the essential nature of care. And this way it must happen each time. This has been insightful as my current research concerns the concept of 'quality of care.' What is it really? And why is it so difficult to grasp and distil? It is thus so as it a relationship and is 'carried away with the wind' upon critical inspection.
Thirdly, the need to be expectant. What keeps caring people sane is that they have a hope that all shall be righted. I cry out for why we are not quite where we ought to be. But that it will be well, is what keeps me going. It will all be well. And Nouwen reflects that sadness and joy are necessarily conjoint. We are sad, but only for a time, but out joy is fulfilled in the future. I can think of an example. When you may have lost a child young in childbirth, your grief is appears unending and excruciating. Yet, your joy is perfected when you can confide in others and most of all console those who have been similar experiences. We are all called to blessings in this way. A further example is when a child leaves the nest for greener pastures but returns many years later for a glorious celebration and reunion. The examples are inexhaustible. Our joy is perfected in the patience (the root of which means 'to suffer and bear') in the trials and pains we now face. This does seem to the way for us. Patience pays it dividend, not that we are to know it as mere facts and 'head' knowledge.
I am in awe of the simplicity yet sheer depth of his reflections. A man inspired and touched by God. His words show as much.
May 28, 2024
I picked up this book at an estate sale, as I recognized the author of "The Wounded Healer" - another terrific read.
This is a short book that can be read in one sitting. From start to finish, the book is 63 pages, with healthy margins. But probably better is to read each short meditation on its own because each one is so rich and filled with meaning.
There are three meditations, and they are related to each other. The first is on the subject of solitude. Henri Nouwen compares the life of action against the life of solitude, and emphasizes how one (solitude) is necessary to properly live the other. The second is about care, looking at what it means to care, and caring within a community. The third meditation considers the expectation of Christ's return, and the concept of expectation as patience and expectation as joy.
This book is brief, but very dense. There are so many terrific, deep, truthful statements that if I were to add them all as "great quotes from the book," I'd be adding half the book. Maybe more.
So, here is just a quote from each section:
On Solitude: "In solitude, we become aware that our worth is not the same as our usefulness."
On Care: “When we honestly ask ourselves which persons in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving much advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a gentle and tender hand.”
On Expectation: “Our life is a short time in expectation, a time in which sadness and joy kiss each other at every moment. … It seems that there is no such thing as clear-cut pure joy, but that even in the most happy moments of our existence we sense a tinge of sadness.”
This is a short book that can be read in one sitting. From start to finish, the book is 63 pages, with healthy margins. But probably better is to read each short meditation on its own because each one is so rich and filled with meaning.
There are three meditations, and they are related to each other. The first is on the subject of solitude. Henri Nouwen compares the life of action against the life of solitude, and emphasizes how one (solitude) is necessary to properly live the other. The second is about care, looking at what it means to care, and caring within a community. The third meditation considers the expectation of Christ's return, and the concept of expectation as patience and expectation as joy.
This book is brief, but very dense. There are so many terrific, deep, truthful statements that if I were to add them all as "great quotes from the book," I'd be adding half the book. Maybe more.
So, here is just a quote from each section:
On Solitude: "In solitude, we become aware that our worth is not the same as our usefulness."
On Care: “When we honestly ask ourselves which persons in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving much advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a gentle and tender hand.”
On Expectation: “Our life is a short time in expectation, a time in which sadness and joy kiss each other at every moment. … It seems that there is no such thing as clear-cut pure joy, but that even in the most happy moments of our existence we sense a tinge of sadness.”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews