One of the dangers of being a contemplative in the mud is being or feeling alone in the world.

A second is not taking the opportunity to be with people and forge deep, trusting friendships.

A third is having to deal with being alone again when, for some time, the signs or feelings of those human friendships are removed from us.

Blessed Charles de Foucauld wrote to a friend who had visited him:

For the first time in many years, I felt alone Monday evening as I watched you slowly disappear into the shadows. I understood and felt that I was a hermit… And then I remembered that I have Jesus, and I said, “Jesus, I love you.”