The desert fathers and mothers are those who went out into the desert around Egypt in the first centuries of the Christian faith. They were seeking to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ by being alone in prayer with God. In this way, monastic communities came into being and continue today. Here is a story from one such community.
A certain brother inquired of Abbot Pastor, saying: “What shall I do? I lose my nerve when I am sitting alone at prayer in my cell?” The elder said to him: “Despise no one, condemn no one, rebuke no one, God will give you peace and your meditation will be undisturbed.”
What gets in the way of your desire to gaze with love on the One who loves you?