Living the contemplative life as a hermit is a serious and unique calling, marked by simplicity, solitude, and a constant turning toward God. While it may seem unusual to many, this life offers deep spiritual rewards for those who embrace it. It is a path of quiet transformation, where the heart is gradually shaped and refined by daily prayer, silence, and the experience of living in isolation. I would like to expand on some of the highlights of this life, at least from my point of view, sharing the blessings, challenges, and fulfillment that come with walking this solitary path.

At the heart of the contemplative life is daily prayer. For a hermit, the day is centered around the act of praying, whether it’s the structured rhythm of the Divine Office or the quiet moments of personal reflection and supplication. Prayer becomes the primary work of life—a sacred conversation with God that never really ends. There’s something deeply liberating about giving over each day to this rhythm. The world may rush by with its constant noise and demands, but the life of a hermit is steady, always oriented toward the eternal. In this steadying practice, I’ve discovered an intimacy with God that words can scarcely describe. In the stillness of isolation, distractions that normally fill the mind and heart fade away. Without the constant pull of social interactions, media, or the busy pace of daily life, the soul finds room to breathe. It’s in this silence that I’ve encountered some of the most profound spiritual insights. The Lord’s voice isn’t always found in the thunder or the whirlwind, but often in the still, small whisper that comes when everything else is quiet. There’s a kind of inner clarity that emerges, a deeper awareness of God’s presence, not just in grand moments but in the ordinary details of everyday life.

However, solitude also comes with its challenges. There can be moments of loneliness, times when the absence of human connection feels acute. But I’ve learned that these moments are opportunities to deepen my reliance on Christ. The contemplative life isn’t about escaping from the world or avoiding people completely—it’s about drawing near to God in a more intense and uninterrupted way. The solitude, rather than being a burden, becomes a gift when it’s understood as a place of encounter with the divine. Christ, who often withdrew to lonely places to pray, meets me here, and His presence fills the spaces that might otherwise feel empty.

The discipline of simplicity is another cornerstone of this life. The material world, with all its comforts and distractions, often pulls us away from God. But in the contemplative life, the stripping away of those material concerns allows for a deeper focus on the spiritual. Living with less—less clutter, fewer possessions, fewer distractions—frees the heart and mind to concentrate on what truly matters. In this simplicity, I’ve found joy in the little things: the beauty of nature, the rhythm of the seasons, the quiet of the early morning. These are reminders of God’s provision and His intimate care for creation. This simplicity also extends to my relationships with others. In embracing a more solitary life, I’ve found that my prayers for others take on greater significance. Though I may be physically distant from the world, my life is intimately connected to it through prayer. As a hermit, I offer my prayers for the Church, for those who are suffering, for the lost, and for the world as a whole. This intercession is a hidden ministry, but it’s no less powerful for being unseen. It’s a way of loving others even from afar, knowing that God hears and responds to these prayers.

The contemplative life, with its quiet rhythms and solitary nature, isn’t for everyone. But for those called to it, it offers a depth of spiritual fulfillment that is hard to find elsewhere. It’s a life of constant prayer, of listening for God’s voice in the silence, and of allowing Him to reshape the soul. There is a great peace that comes with knowing that, though I live in solitude, I am never truly alone. God is here, present in every moment, in every prayer, in every breath.

As I continue to walk this path, I am reminded daily that this life, though hidden from the eyes of the world, is precious to God. It is a life that calls for trust, patience, and surrender, but it’s also one that offers the incomparable joy of living in constant communion with our Lord Jesus Christ. That, for me, is the greatest blessing of the contemplative life—being able to dwell in the presence of God, day after day, in the quiet and peace of this solitary calling.