Member-only story

100 Days of Solitude: A Writer's Exile on Holy Island

Seth Hayes

·13.5k Followers· Follow

Published in 100 Days On Holy Island: A Writer S Exile

7 min read

1.2k View Claps

99 Respond

Save

Listen

100 Days On Holy Island: A Writer's Exile

by Peter Mortimer

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	501 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	252 pages

In the realm of writing, solitude has long been hailed as an indispensable companion. From the secluded cabins of Thoreau to the windswept shores of Norfolk, countless writers have sought refuge in isolation, believing it to be a catalyst for profound creativity and self-discovery.

Inspired by these literary pilgrimages, I embarked on my own solitary retreat to Holy Island, a remote island off the coast of England. For 100 days, I immersed myself in the island's ancient landscapes, its crumbling ruins, and its timeless rhythms. My aim was to unravel the enigmatic relationship between solitude, writing, and the human spirit.

Holy Island, also known as Lindisfarne, is a place steeped in history and spirituality. It is said that Saint Aidan founded a monastery on the island in 635 AD, and for centuries it was a center of learning and pilgrimage. Today, the island is a popular tourist destination, but during the winter months, when the crowds dissipate, it transforms into a sanctuary of silence and solitude.

My retreat began on a crisp autumn day, as I boarded the causeway that connects Holy Island to the mainland. As the tide rose, the causeway disappeared beneath the waves, leaving me stranded on the island for the next four months.

I had chosen to stay in a small cottage on the western side of the island, overlooking the vast expanse of the North Sea. The cottage was basic but comfortable, with a wood-burning stove, a small kitchen, and a writing desk overlooking the sea. It was the perfect place to lose myself in my work and to be immersed in the rhythms of nature.

In the beginning, the solitude was both exhilarating and terrifying. I had never spent so much time alone, and I was unsure how I would cope with the silence and the lack of human contact. But as the days turned into weeks, I began to settle into a routine. I would wake up early, make a pot of tea, and sit at my writing desk. I would write for several hours, taking breaks to walk along the beach or to explore the island's many hidden nooks and crannies.

As I wrote, I found that the solitude allowed me to delve deeper into my work. I could explore my characters and their motivations without the distractions of everyday life. I could experiment with different writing styles and techniques. And I could finally give myself the time and space to write the book that I had always dreamed of writing.

But solitude is not without its challenges. There were days when I felt lonely, isolated, and disconnected from the world. There were days when I doubted my work and my abilities as a writer. And there were days when I simply longed for the companionship of another human being.

During these challenging times, I would often seek solace in the island's natural beauty. I would walk along the beach, feeling the wind and the rain on my face. I would climb to the top of Lindisfarne Castle, and gaze out at the vast expanse of the sea. And I would sit in the ruins of the ancient priory, contemplating the lives of the monks who had lived and worked on the island centuries before.

Through these experiences, I came to realize that solitude is not simply about being alone. It is about being present in the moment, and being open to the possibilities that the world has to offer. It is about embracing both the joys and the challenges of life, and about finding strength and inspiration in the most unexpected places.

As my 100 days on Holy Island drew to a close, I felt a profound sense of gratitude for the experience. I had learned so much about myself, about my writing, and about the power of solitude. I had discovered a new depth to my creativity, and a new understanding of the human spirit.

I returned to the mainland a changed person. I was more confident in my writing, more at peace with myself, and more aware of the beauty and the possibilities of the world around me. And I knew that the lessons I had learned on Holy Island would stay with me for the rest of my life.

If you are a writer, or if you simply long for a deeper connection to yourself and to the world around you, I encourage you to consider a retreat to Holy Island. It is a place where you can find solitude, inspiration, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Here are a few tips for planning your own retreat to Holy Island:

Choose a time to visit when the island is less crowded. The winter months (October to March) are ideal, as the causeway is closed to traffic and the island is transformed into a sanctuary of peace and tranquility.
Book your accommodation well in advance, as there are only a limited number of cottages available on the island.
Bring plenty of supplies, as there are only a few shops on the island. You may also want to consider bringing a bicycle or a car, as the island is quite large and there is no public transportation.
Be prepared for all types of weather. The weather on Holy Island can be unpredictable, so be sure to pack for both rain and sunshine.
Be open to the possibilities. Solitude can be both challenging and rewarding. Be open to the experiences that come your way, and be prepared to learn and grow from them.

I hope that this article has inspired you to consider a retreat to Holy Island. I believe that it is a place where you can find solitude, inspiration, and a renewed sense of purpose.

100 Days On Holy Island: A Writer's Exile

by Peter Mortimer

4.5 out of 5