#MastersofSocialIsolation #15. Some of the early desert ascetics practiced a form of extreme social distancing. St. Simeon Styletes maintained a solitary witness atop a stylos (Greek), or pillar.
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Originally, hoping to achieve the blessed happiness outlined in the Beatitudes he had entered a monastery. But he was afflicted by crowds of pilgrims who sought his blessing or hoped he could cure their illnesses. His solution: a pillar 9-ft tall, six in diameter on top.
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He replaced this in time with new pillars of ever-ascending height, the final one: 50 feet. Simeon could be seen standing in prayer. Crowds traveled to witness this spectacle. Simeon would offer exhortations to charity and justice.
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Of course it took a village to sustain a solitary like Simeon. But he set an edifying example that encouraged others in their love of God and neighbor .
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