Sue Monk Kidd discusses the concept of solitude as essential for spiritual growth in her book "God's Joyful Surprise: Finding Yourself Loved." She references Evelyn Underhill's insight that while many can retreat to a quiet space, true solitude requires an intentional act of shutting the door to the outside world. This emphasizes the importance of creating a personal environment that allows for deep reflection and connection with God.

Kidd highlights that this time alone is not just about physical isolation but a deliberate effort to strip away distractions. In doing so, individuals can focus entirely on their spiritual lives, as noted in Matthew 6:6, where the act of seeking God in private leads to genuine fulfillment and understanding of divine love.