Silence

Silence June 9, 2011

What is there to say about silence?  What can words add that silence does not already contain?

For God alone my soul waits in silence   Psalm 62

There is something very powerful about silence.  For an extrovert, silence is often experienced as an opportunity to talk, to influence, to share.  Silence can be intimidating; something to be endured, or filled.

Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence.   I Kings 19

I am coming to appreciate that silence can be welcoming.  Silence does not require a response from me; it frees me from many distractions.  There is a peace and depth in silence which draws me.  I can find rest in silence.

Silence is one of the great arts of conversation. ~ Cicero

We live in a time when silence is becoming more and more precious; more and more challenging to find.  We surround ourselves with things that demand our attention. Silence, and time spent in silence, is an endangered commodity.

God’s first language is silence; everything else is a poor translation.  ~ Thomas Keating

For me, silence is essential.  I am not able to grow in awareness, self-knowledge, and self-acceptance without spending time in silence.  Silence, and solitude, enable me to become grounded and rooted in myself, to become my true self in a deeper, more solid way.

Would that we could remember how to answer or to keep silence.  ~ Thomas Merton

Silence give me the opportunity to slow down, to pay attention, to be mindful.  I find it impossible to listen  —  to others or to myself  —  without spending time in silence.

True friendship comes when silence between two people is comfortable.

[Image by MinimalismMassimo]


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