SOLITUDE & STRENGTH Book Club Discussion Questions by Joni Woods ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ CHAPTER 1: THE CALL TO SOLITUDE 1. What does solitude mean to you? How has your relationship with alone time changed throughout your life? 2. Joni discusses the difference between loneliness and solitude. Share a time when you experienced each. 3. What fears or resistance do you have about spending time alone? Where do you think these feelings come from? CHAPTER 2: CREATING SACRED SPACE 4. Describe your ideal space for reflection and solitude. What elements would make you feel most at peace? 5. How do you currently create boundaries between your outer responsibilities and inner reflection time? 6. What daily practices or rituals help you transition from external chaos to internal calm? CHAPTER 3: THE STRENGTH WITHIN SILENCE 7. Can you recall a time when silence or stillness provided you with an important insight or solution? 8. How comfortable are you with silence? What comes up for you when there's no external stimulation? 9. Joni writes about "the wisdom that emerges in the spaces between thoughts." Have you experienced this? CHAPTER 4: RELEASING THE NEED TO BE NEEDED 10. In what areas of your life do you struggle with people-pleasing or the need to be constantly available? 11. How might saying "no" more often actually be an act of love—both for yourself and others? 12. What would change in your life if you prioritized your own needs as much as you prioritize others'? CHAPTER 5: BEFRIENDING YOUR INNER VOICE 13. How do you distinguish between your authentic inner voice and the voices of self-doubt or criticism? 14. What practices help you tune into your intuition and inner wisdom? 15. Share about a time when following your inner guidance led to an important life change. CHAPTER 6: SOLITUDE AS SELF-CARE 16. How do you currently practice self-care? How might solitude enhance these practices? 17. What messages did you receive growing up about taking time for yourself? How do these affect you today? 18. How can you reframe alone time as essential nourishment rather than selfish indulgence? CHAPTER 7: FINDING STRENGTH IN VULNERABILITY 19. How has embracing solitude helped you become more comfortable with vulnerability? 20. What strengths have you discovered about yourself through quiet reflection? 21. How has your relationship with yourself changed through reading this book? GENERAL DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 22. What was the most surprising insight you gained from this book? 23. Which chapter or concept challenged you the most? Why? 24. How do you plan to implement Joni's teachings in your daily life? 25. What would you say to someone who believes they don't have time for solitude? 26. How might our society benefit if more people embraced the practice of intentional solitude? REFLECTION EXERCISES: • Try one of Joni's solitude practices for a week and share your experience • Write about a personal strength you've discovered through alone time • Discuss how you'll create more space for solitude in your current life circumstances ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ For more resources and to connect with other readers, visit: www.joniwoods.com © 2024 Joni Woods. All rights reserved.