Silence
Silence has many applications. To ’cause to be silent’; to ‘muzzle or gag’; ‘concealment’; ‘to fail to communicate or keep in touch’; ‘concealment’; ‘stillness’; ‘quietude’; ‘complete absence of sound’; tranquility’; ‘peace’.
The din of modern society challenges the sound of silence, over-powering moments of tranquility that once were commonly accessible. Similar to viewing the night time skies. To see the fullness of the heavens you must travel or live in remote areas free of the incessant glow of population explosion.
“Somewhere we know that without silence words lose their meaning, that without listening speaking no longer heals, that without distance closeness cannot cure.” ~Henri Nouwen
Balance and timing are critical to overall health and are essential guideposts of the spiritual path. There is a time to speak and a time to be silent.
“Silence is the great teacher; and to learn its lessons you must pay attention to it. There is no substitute for the creative inspiration, knowledge, and stability that comes from knowing how to contact your core of inner silence.” ~Deepak Chopra
Learning to sit quietly and empty the mind completely is one of the greatest gifts of silence. When active thought ceases with conscious intention, we become one with our surroundings.
“True silence is the rest of the mind, and is to the spirit what sleep is to the body, nourishment and refreshment.” ~William Penn
As we move toward the Winter Solstice, I invite you into the practice of silence.
Blessings!
