Isolation vs. Selflessness

Avoiding other people's problems is impossible unless you avoid all other people.  The Discipline of Selflessness does not support isolation.

Taking time off from serving others to recharge and re-energize, is a selfless act, but only so much as it does not lead you into a state of preference for isolation.

And regardless of your efforts to cleanse your soul from frustrations and fears, heartaches and tears, the messy-ness of human-ness accompanies the people you will serve through the Discipline of Selflessness.

The two greatest commandments are, to Love God with all your heart, mind, body and soul, and to love people as much as yourself.  And loving people includes accepting all of the troubles they will bring with them.