From the Israelites wandering in the desert for 40 years to Jesus fasting the desert for 40 days, time in the desert—in a stripped-down environment devoid of the usual pleasures and comforts—has long been symbolic of the process of deep spiritual change.
When has a “time in the desert” experience changed you?
Being alone is the significant part of this question here, I believe. I have spent a good bit of time alone since I was an only child and learned to entertain myself early. Even though I have been able to make firm friendships as an adult, I still want to have times to be alone and relish that privacy. Perhaps the change it has made it that there are times when others expect me to be part of the group and I find it unpleasant to let them know tactfully that I prefer not to be included.