Our birds in this photo have chosen to stay some distance from each other. They seem to echo the cry of many of us "give me some space".

In the midst of our busy life, taking children to lessons and games, long traffic lines to and from work, endless queues for passports or visas, we feel the need to get away from it all.

There has been a phenomenal growth in interest in forms of quiet prayer, meditation and yoga. Within our own tradition, we have rediscovered contemplative prayer and this has enriched our lives.

Solitude is necessary for our inner growth. It is not the same as loneliness. Nor is it an escape from community or responsibility. In the silence we meet our selves and God and are more ready to meet others at a deeper level. Solitude leads to communion.

We do not necessarily have to find a rock or a beach, though that would be delightful! We can all lock our bedroom door this Lent and find that the indwelling God wants some time with us as much as we do with Him.