Just dawned on me. I don’t know exactly where Sunnypatti lives but hope they are okay. I am sure the last thing they expected was flooding by a hurricane in the mountains. Hugs and prayers and hope she writes soon.
So will take a moment of silence to send prayers and good vibes to all the people in Western NC and other places.
I feel sad today. My Mom’s good friend and mine since my Mother passed away (24 years ago) moved to PA. She sent me a message today that she was there. Her son lives there. Nan has been losing her eye sight (mucular degeneration), lived alone and started falling. I totally understand why he probably insisted but last I knew she was going to assisted living on Cape Cod. I am sure it was difficult also for her but I am thinking it was for the best to keep an eye on her (87 yrs old). Her daughter on the Cape is having her own Health issues. Yet I will for sure feel the void. We for many years were in touch daily and she was like a step grandmother to my children.
I have been thinking about being in silence lately.
When I meditated daily I had a practice of silence.
But even in meditation my silence was directed.
Directed toward letting go of thoughts, as I noticed them.
I am often uneasy with silence.
I usually want something on or something to look at.
The radio, magazine or newspaper articles.
My thinking can go into fear and self criticism and regret if I allow it.
It’s different when I am outdoors.
I breathe more freely in nature, I feel expansive.
It’s mid afternoon as I write. I will go outside to sit or walk in silence.
I would like to do this everyday.
I would like to find that peaceful expansive place within myself everyday.
Thanks for a great question!
Wishing peace to all!
I make space for silence in the mornings when I visit this website with my cat beside me. Weather permitting, I take a silent walk around my neighborhood, taking the time to notice my surroundings, and enjoy the nature around me. I’d like to find more ways to intentionally create more pockets of silence throughout the day.
I am quietly sipping my coffee & preparing to meditate after engaging here. Being quiet & going inside is crucial for my healing & grounding. I try to sit in meditation each morning & often throughout my day, sometimes just listening to Mother Nature all around me.
Happy Saturday to All….✨🍂
I am doing it right now. Here in the
darkness, before work and before my
wife wakes up. I cherish this time.
Reading, contemplating, and reminding
myself of what’s important to me.
My weekend job also allows me moments
of silence and occasionally even a short
meditation.
I made time and space for the gift of silence earlier this morning and closed it with this reading from Richard Rohr’s meditation for today in which he shared this excerpt for Sr. Joan Chittister’s book, “The Monastic Heart.” Lot of wisdom in this reading.
Purity of Heart
Benedictine Sister Joan Chittister identifies purity of heart as an essential commitment for the Desert Monastics:
The Desert Monastics built their spirituality on two major ideas: the practice of the presence of God and a commitment to purity of heart. Total concentration on the one thing necessary—a heart centered on the will and love of God—determined every action of their lives. Purity of heart, this commitment to the consciousness of God, was the laser beam of the monastic life. It constituted the operational center, the energy, and the rudder of their lives….
Being committed to something keeps life expanding for us, even when we think that there’s nowhere else for it to go. Purpose gives us a sense of importance, of wanting to do even more, even better the next time, no matter how many things we’ve done already. Finally, a sense of purpose, of resolve, makes getting up every morning worthwhile, win or lose. It is the undaunted determination to do what must be done, however long it takes, whether we get it finished or not. For the Desert Monastic, the purpose was to continue an unending search for God….
No doubt about it: Total concentration on the one thing necessary—a heart centered on the will and love of God—determines every action of your life. It will carry you through life as much as life carries you—only with more fulfillment. It is a beacon from the desert calling you yet to continue your own pursuit of the presence of God, to concentrate always on the purity of heart that seeks one thing only and always.
Your heart is the real compass of your life. The Desert Monastics knew that over fifteen hundred years ago and you know it yet: Purity of heart is the gift that guides you, leads you, shepherds you from one end of life to the other, always content knowing that you have done what you were born to do. What else could possibly be worth a life?
Reference:
Joan Chittister, The Monastic Heart: 50 Simple Practices for a. Contemplative and Fulfilling Life (New York: Convergent, 2021), 238, 239–241.
Thank you Carol for this beautiful response.
I feel so inspired!
I used to prioritize purity of heart,
and think of it as the place I would like my thoughts and actions to come from.
I had somehow forgotten about this.
I just forgot about this.
So thank you so much for this insightful and beautiful reminder!!!
I will look into Joan Chittister’s book!
♥️♥️♥️
Thanks for including Joan’s quote, Carol.
The part which speaks to me most powerfully today is ” Purity of heart, this commitment to the consciousness of God.”
Never thought of my laser- focus desire as the “consciousness of God.” Very powerful.
I’m definitely not the source of silence. When I’m nervous, I talk more than usual. When I’m frustrated, I talk even more. And when I’m happy, I talk the most. Though I’m not a source of silence, I enjoy the gift of silence in my life. I sense the beauty of silence while I enjoy my morning coffee. There is a message of peace and refreshment.
My Ngoc, as a quiet person, being with someone who loves to talk makes the environment interesting. Ii it’s only my dad and I in the house, it would sound like the house has no one.
When visiting the producers´market as usual like most Saturday mornings, i sat down for a rest in front of a coffee shop, relaxed, savoring my first coffee and a cinnamon bagel, when it silenced inside, probably because having read the question prior to leaving the house. Sitting there, something was just opening up to silence, a little shift of perspective happened. like a silent joy for everything and everyone i perceived in front of me. Only my heart and eye was with all of it and a beautiful citate came to mind, which once touched me deeply but now, some deeper meaning was opened to this quote on a hut built on the whole universe… stillness of this moment in the middle of the busy marketplace. Thank you again dearly for this beautiful question.
This moment of writing these words are the most activity I’ve engages in over the ten minutes I have been awake. Though my hearing is not what it used to be, it is a small blessing in the early morning hours, as I only hear the sounds of living: barks, meows, and the occasional voice or random breeze.
I take some time for silence most mornings. It orients me, even if I get caught up in the whirlwind of the day — and I usually do. I can always return to the morning silence to get me back on track.
I enjoy the silence of the morning when I come to reflect on this website. I will also enjoy it at the end of the day before bedtime.
Have a good weekend everyone.
SunnyPatti – it’s Nat’l North Carolina Day
I am sitting here in silence now as I have done every morning for 29 months or so. The only sound at the moment is the crackling of the wood stove.
Soon I will go out to the barn and feed the cats and let Pooch out. I always spend some moments gazing at the visible universe we are all so orderly floating around in. I stop many times during my labors, straighten my aging back, follow, focus on several breaths, and look at the world without naming it. Standing with the “silence” of the earth.
Joseph, love the line…”and look at the world without naming it.” What that says to me is you do not limit it but let it and yourself BE. Your relationship to and with the Mother Earth is beautiful and inspiring.
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Just dawned on me. I don’t know exactly where Sunnypatti lives but hope they are okay. I am sure the last thing they expected was flooding by a hurricane in the mountains. Hugs and prayers and hope she writes soon.
So will take a moment of silence to send prayers and good vibes to all the people in Western NC and other places.
Today it was walking the dog.
I feel sad today. My Mom’s good friend and mine since my Mother passed away (24 years ago) moved to PA. She sent me a message today that she was there. Her son lives there. Nan has been losing her eye sight (mucular degeneration), lived alone and started falling. I totally understand why he probably insisted but last I knew she was going to assisted living on Cape Cod. I am sure it was difficult also for her but I am thinking it was for the best to keep an eye on her (87 yrs old). Her daughter on the Cape is having her own Health issues. Yet I will for sure feel the void. We for many years were in touch daily and she was like a step grandmother to my children.
What a beautiful relationship you describe, Robin Ann. The transitions of life are stunning sometimes, You will find new ways to connect with her.
Thank you Mary
I have been thinking about being in silence lately.
When I meditated daily I had a practice of silence.
But even in meditation my silence was directed.
Directed toward letting go of thoughts, as I noticed them.
I am often uneasy with silence.
I usually want something on or something to look at.
The radio, magazine or newspaper articles.
My thinking can go into fear and self criticism and regret if I allow it.
It’s different when I am outdoors.
I breathe more freely in nature, I feel expansive.
It’s mid afternoon as I write. I will go outside to sit or walk in silence.
I would like to do this everyday.
I would like to find that peaceful expansive place within myself everyday.
Thanks for a great question!
Wishing peace to all!
Peace to you Mary.
take a nap
I make space for silence in the mornings when I visit this website with my cat beside me. Weather permitting, I take a silent walk around my neighborhood, taking the time to notice my surroundings, and enjoy the nature around me. I’d like to find more ways to intentionally create more pockets of silence throughout the day.
I am quietly sipping my coffee & preparing to meditate after engaging here. Being quiet & going inside is crucial for my healing & grounding. I try to sit in meditation each morning & often throughout my day, sometimes just listening to Mother Nature all around me.
Happy Saturday to All….✨🍂
I am doing it right now. Here in the
darkness, before work and before my
wife wakes up. I cherish this time.
Reading, contemplating, and reminding
myself of what’s important to me.
My weekend job also allows me moments
of silence and occasionally even a short
meditation.
Doing the same myself now, Charlie.
I made time and space for the gift of silence earlier this morning and closed it with this reading from Richard Rohr’s meditation for today in which he shared this excerpt for Sr. Joan Chittister’s book, “The Monastic Heart.” Lot of wisdom in this reading.
Purity of Heart
Benedictine Sister Joan Chittister identifies purity of heart as an essential commitment for the Desert Monastics:
The Desert Monastics built their spirituality on two major ideas: the practice of the presence of God and a commitment to purity of heart. Total concentration on the one thing necessary—a heart centered on the will and love of God—determined every action of their lives. Purity of heart, this commitment to the consciousness of God, was the laser beam of the monastic life. It constituted the operational center, the energy, and the rudder of their lives….
Being committed to something keeps life expanding for us, even when we think that there’s nowhere else for it to go. Purpose gives us a sense of importance, of wanting to do even more, even better the next time, no matter how many things we’ve done already. Finally, a sense of purpose, of resolve, makes getting up every morning worthwhile, win or lose. It is the undaunted determination to do what must be done, however long it takes, whether we get it finished or not. For the Desert Monastic, the purpose was to continue an unending search for God….
No doubt about it: Total concentration on the one thing necessary—a heart centered on the will and love of God—determines every action of your life. It will carry you through life as much as life carries you—only with more fulfillment. It is a beacon from the desert calling you yet to continue your own pursuit of the presence of God, to concentrate always on the purity of heart that seeks one thing only and always.
Your heart is the real compass of your life. The Desert Monastics knew that over fifteen hundred years ago and you know it yet: Purity of heart is the gift that guides you, leads you, shepherds you from one end of life to the other, always content knowing that you have done what you were born to do. What else could possibly be worth a life?
Reference:
Joan Chittister, The Monastic Heart: 50 Simple Practices for a. Contemplative and Fulfilling Life (New York: Convergent, 2021), 238, 239–241.
Thank you Carol for this beautiful response.
I feel so inspired!
I used to prioritize purity of heart,
and think of it as the place I would like my thoughts and actions to come from.
I had somehow forgotten about this.
I just forgot about this.
So thank you so much for this insightful and beautiful reminder!!!
I will look into Joan Chittister’s book!
♥️♥️♥️
Thanks for including Joan’s quote, Carol.
The part which speaks to me most powerfully today is ” Purity of heart, this commitment to the consciousness of God.”
Never thought of my laser- focus desire as the “consciousness of God.” Very powerful.
I’m definitely not the source of silence. When I’m nervous, I talk more than usual. When I’m frustrated, I talk even more. And when I’m happy, I talk the most. Though I’m not a source of silence, I enjoy the gift of silence in my life. I sense the beauty of silence while I enjoy my morning coffee. There is a message of peace and refreshment.
My Ngoc, as a quiet person, being with someone who loves to talk makes the environment interesting. Ii it’s only my dad and I in the house, it would sound like the house has no one.
Hello silence my ole friend
I’ve come to talk to you again…..
In the early morning! In the night and when I take conscious time to be.
When visiting the producers´market as usual like most Saturday mornings, i sat down for a rest in front of a coffee shop, relaxed, savoring my first coffee and a cinnamon bagel, when it silenced inside, probably because having read the question prior to leaving the house. Sitting there, something was just opening up to silence, a little shift of perspective happened. like a silent joy for everything and everyone i perceived in front of me. Only my heart and eye was with all of it and a beautiful citate came to mind, which once touched me deeply but now, some deeper meaning was opened to this quote on a hut built on the whole universe… stillness of this moment in the middle of the busy marketplace. Thank you again dearly for this beautiful question.
This moment of writing these words are the most activity I’ve engages in over the ten minutes I have been awake. Though my hearing is not what it used to be, it is a small blessing in the early morning hours, as I only hear the sounds of living: barks, meows, and the occasional voice or random breeze.
I take some time for silence most mornings. It orients me, even if I get caught up in the whirlwind of the day — and I usually do. I can always return to the morning silence to get me back on track.
I enjoy the silence of the morning when I come to reflect on this website. I will also enjoy it at the end of the day before bedtime.
Have a good weekend everyone.
SunnyPatti – it’s Nat’l North Carolina Day
I am sitting here in silence now as I have done every morning for 29 months or so. The only sound at the moment is the crackling of the wood stove.
Soon I will go out to the barn and feed the cats and let Pooch out. I always spend some moments gazing at the visible universe we are all so orderly floating around in. I stop many times during my labors, straighten my aging back, follow, focus on several breaths, and look at the world without naming it. Standing with the “silence” of the earth.
Joseph, love the line…”and look at the world without naming it.” What that says to me is you do not limit it but let it and yourself BE. Your relationship to and with the Mother Earth is beautiful and inspiring.
I agree. Am always inspired by what you write, Joseph. Grateful for your presence here on this site.