Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Mark 1:35
“Sit in your cell as in paradise. Put the whole world behind you and forget it. Watch your thoughts like a good fisherman watching fish…Empty yourself completely and sit waiting, content with the grace of God, like the chick who tastes nothing and eats nothing but what his mother brings him.” Silence in the presence of God renews and refreshes the spirit–and gives you the ability to give generously in return.
Romuald of Ravenna (c. 950-1027) founder of the Camaldolese order of monks (a.k.a. “hermits”) as cited by Paula Huston in Simplifying the Soul: Lenten Practices to Renew Your Spirit (Ave Maria Press: Notre Dame, 2011) 73-75.