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Heart and Soul: Reflections on Faith in a Global Crisis: Solitude

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22/05/2020 GMT

Solitude

Reflections on Faith in a Global Crisis

BBC World Service - Heart and Soul, Reflections on Faith in a Global Crisis, Solitude

John McCarthy hears reflections and insights from people of faith on solitude

In this third programme of our special series on faith during the pandemic, we hear how isolation and solitude can be an opportunity to develop a deeper spiritual practice.

In a special Heart and Soul series for the BBC World Service, amidst a global pandemic of Coronavirus, the journalist John McCarthy brings together reflections from people of faith around the world. 

In this third programme, John hears how isolation and solitude can be an opportunity to develop a deeper spiritual practice. When the mind throws up challenges – doubt, fear – what comfort and opportunities does faith provide? 

Solitude is often sought after and even craved by many people of faith, but the chance to share the energy of worship with others enhances their closeness to their deity. 

The Buddhist devotional dancer Prumsodun Ok, has to step back from his busy teaching schedule in Cambodia but he sees this as a chance to slow down and re-connect with the spiritual aspect of his dance. We hear from round the world solo rower Roz Savage who describes herself as having faith rather than a religion and a pastor who’s new to solitude but thinks he might like it. Reverend Julian DeShazier works at the busy multicultural University Church in Chicago, USA where he is also an advocate for his community. He’s also an Emmy award winning musician and songwriter who goes by the name of J.Kwest . He’s turned to bible stories to help him through lockdown.

As the world faces the prospect of many months of lockdown we hear how faith and religion can bring comfort and succour to those living in solitude. 

Presenter: John McCarthy
Producer: Olive Clancy

Heart and Soul: Reflections on Faith in a Global Crisis

John McCarthy shares the reflections of people of faith around the world during a pandemic

In the first programme of a special Heart and Soul series for the BBC World Service, amidst a global pandemic of Coronavirus, the journalist John McCarthy brings together reflections from people of faith around the world. In each programme specially chosen contributors reflect on the horrendous situation the whole world is dealing with.

Rituals are at the heart of many religions, they are vital to the practice of faith giving structure, comfort and focus.
The best-selling Indian writer Amish Tripathi sees daily yoga practice as central to his Hindu faith. He loves the calm and balance it brings. But with the virus bringing fear of respiratory problems he newly appreciates the breathing techniques which ease anxiety. Miriam Camerini is an Italian trainee Rabbi who is stranded in Canada, unable to travel home. She is heartbroken to hear of sick friends, but comforted by new online connections with Jerusalem. And a pastor used to non-stop cross-border travel to look after Mexican and US parishioners finds strength in bible passages he never had time to sit and study before.
With much of the world in lockdown the rituals and sacraments of conventional religion are impossible. John McCarthy hears how people are finding new ways to live out their faith in retreat.

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