The one thing the genuine hermit abhors is attention.
As an anonymous Camaldolese hermit put it,
“Our solitary life is not only a renunciation of the artificiality of a mundane existence based on appearance and efficiency, but it hides us from the eyes and the acquaintance of others in such a way that we live truly concealed in complete anonymity.”
Celebrity Hermits
In some circles hermits are revered, which can easily become a stumbling block for them. It is hard to be a celebrity and be humble. And so genuine hermits prefer to be hidden. Thus they wear no special habit (a habit is special clothing worn by monks, nuns, and clergy).
Don’t Advertise
This is the reason why I don’t use my full name. I use my hermit name, brother Jay Paul, so as not to draw attention to myself in real life. I only share this as an example to other would be hermits. Don’t advertise. Be humble. Be hidden. Don’t draw attention to yourself.
Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell
In my life, I never tell anyone I am a hermit. And nobody asks. If they don’t ask, I don’t tell. And I don’t do anything to draw attention to my hermit life. I just avoid people when possible, but I am friendly when I do interact. I am not antisocial, I am pro-solitude. There is a difference.
I don’t need recognition, so I don’t need authorization. God called me to be a hermit, that is good enough for me.
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Note: Camaldolese is a Roman Catholic religious order, based on the Rule of St. Benedict.
