Spiritual Stamina

Spiritual Exercise: Solitude (wk. 8/13)

Reading: Galatians 1:11-24

Solitude, Slow Breathing and Stamina

“You are wired a bit like a sniper.” – that’s what my doctor said as he examined me after a recent injury. “You are so tight you appear relaxed, but you are full of tension.” He went on to tell me that if I don’t start finding space in my hecticness, I was heading for reoccurring injuries. His diagnosis: I need some quiet, slow, alone time in the midst of my crowded, busy world.

If you are reading this blog, I suspect you need that same quiet alone time. We fill our days with movement, noise, and connection—especially in the realm of fitness and health, where community is such a vital force. But what if we viewed solitude not as the absence of pushing forward, but rather the foundation of it?

Solitude is where we build spiritual stamina.

When we step away from the constant input of the world, we give ourselves space to listen—to our breath, to our body, to the quiet whisper of something deeper guiding us. Think about the most grueling part of a workout: that moment when your muscles shake, your lungs burn, and doubt creeps in. No one else can push through for you. That strength—the kind that gets you through one more rep, one more mile, one more deep inhale before the exhale—comes from within. It’s a strength that is often cultivated in the unseen moments of solitude.

The same principle applies to our overall health. It’s easy to find motivation in a CrossFit box, a running group, or a yoga class. And don’t get me wrong—those connections are essential. They lift us, challenge us, and remind us that we’re not alone on this journey. But without the ability to stand strong in our own discipline, our progress remains dependent on external forces. True endurance, both physical and spiritual, is built in those quiet moments when no one is watching—when it’s just you and the work.

There’s something deeply spiritual about solitude in movement. Whether it’s a solo run at sunrise, a meditative walk in the woods, or simply breathing deeply on a yoga mat in an empty room, these moments become sacred. They teach us to sit with discomfort, to embrace the silence, and to cultivate resilience from the inside out.

There’s an interesting almost between-the-lines story about the power of solitude in the Apostle Paul’s life. Toward the end of the first chapter of Galatians, Paul shares his own story of becoming a follower of Jesus. And – in between verses 15 and 21, he went into solitude – it appears he spent three years “off the radar” before he began emerging as one of the greatest leaders of the early church.

I’m not suggesting you disappear for three years – for most of us, solitude doesn’t mean isolation. For instance, being a part of a strong fitness community is a powerful thing—it reminds us that we’re part of something bigger than ourselves. But the best communities are made up of strong individuals, people who bring their own sense of inner discipline and faith. When we each take the time to build our own spiritual stamina in solitude, we show up stronger, not just for ourselves but for those around us.

So, how do we cultivate this kind of strength? It starts with intentionality. Set aside time for solitude within your fitness practice. Run without music. Lift weights with full presence. Stretch and breathe in stillness. Allow yourself to experience movement as a conversation with your own soul. Over time, you’ll find that the stamina you build in these moments extends beyond the gym—it shapes how you move through life itself.

Because solitude isn’t just a place of stillness. It’s a place of strength. And from that strength, everything else flows.

Questions for Reflection:

When was the last time you intentionally exercised in solitude? How did it feel?

In what ways does your fitness community support your spiritual and personal growth?

How can you create more moments of solitude within your health and fitness routine?