Silence – usually early morning or resting after lunch; silence has a sound, a harmonious hum, it’s the momentary absence of noise both in my head and outside it, and it is profoundly precious. I like this idea below: “I just like to sit and reflect on all that God has provided for me.”
Today I took time for silence (sitting on a bench) near the water on warm and sunny day. I close my eyes for a bit and think about nothing but the warmth of the sun. Such Peace I feel. I open my eyes and see the beautiful nature in front of me. Today there were 2 swans swimming right in front of me. Taking time for silence though is a challenge at times but I try to in prayer and walks.
It is more noticeable to me what occurs when I don’t make room for silence in my life: an “itchiness” about life, disharmony, short-temperedness, a quickness to respond vs. listen, a blockage of that inner voice-of that inner peace.
The fruit of abiding silence in my life, is the way I respond to That Which Is, and to the journey which is my life.
Having reviewed this question earlier today my thought was: so many things, we haven’t enough time. Later in the day I stumble across Nepo’s response to being spiritual. The way Nepo finished his response brought me back to this question:
Center yourself, and as you breathe, realize that your spirit fills your life the way your bones and blood fill your hand.
As you breathe, realize that your life fits the world the way your warm and living hand fits a glove.
As you breathe, feel your spirit fill your skin and feel your skin fit the world.
I ride the train to work every morning. It’s a 40 minute journey and I always pack a book, my headphones, and sometimes even my laptop. Even so, most of the time I just get lost in my own thoughts and stare out the window. Maybe we don’t always need to be productive. Our lives are so noisy, especially with technology, we never really get moments to ourselves anymore. If I’m honest, it’s scary being alone with my thoughts during times of silence, but I’m trying to love myself more and be okay with my own company.
Deep, deep calm, and a full inhale and exhale.
Peace and relaxation.
The usual thoughts, which I can notice and label or can follow to see where they take me, whichever I choose in the moment.
Living in a very quiet neighborhood is important to me. We lived for several months in the heart of downtown Seattle and that isn’t my jam. I want to be close to necessary services but not live with the constant hum of traffic. We found a perfect neighborhood bordered on one side by a big forested park that buffers us, in a part of town that isn’t on the way to anywhere that creates traffic volume. I lie in my bed at night listening to the silence, broken only by an occasional owl (or an amorous neighbor cat…). Deep peace.
Among other benefits, I feel like having
periods of silence, is a check-in with how
I’m doing. Where my mind is at. Am I
focused? Scattered? Distracted? Bothered
by something? Pre occupied? If I am
able to see these states without judgment,
I can act accordingly to come back to a
more centered perspective.
In my tradition, Silence is another word for The Center of Consciousness, Atman, God—however; not anthropomorphized. In the Silence I remember who I am and detach from all of the temporary roles. Years ago my teacher said, “we can put [the roles] on a shelf and when we pick them back up they feel lighter.” Furthermore, we don’t need to pick up the identities that no longer serve us. This discrimination and peace exists in the Silence.
Thank you, Avril…I love the picture in my mind of putting my roles on a shelf and then pick up only those that will serve me well…and all roles will feel better. Thank you!!
Avril, I like the idea of setting down parts of myself to observe and decide whether to pick them back up. If they no longer serve us we can leave them and move on.
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Silence – usually early morning or resting after lunch; silence has a sound, a harmonious hum, it’s the momentary absence of noise both in my head and outside it, and it is profoundly precious. I like this idea below: “I just like to sit and reflect on all that God has provided for me.”
Silence to me brings me peace. I just like to sit and reflect on all that God has provided for me.
Today I took time for silence (sitting on a bench) near the water on warm and sunny day. I close my eyes for a bit and think about nothing but the warmth of the sun. Such Peace I feel. I open my eyes and see the beautiful nature in front of me. Today there were 2 swans swimming right in front of me. Taking time for silence though is a challenge at times but I try to in prayer and walks.
It is more noticeable to me what occurs when I don’t make room for silence in my life: an “itchiness” about life, disharmony, short-temperedness, a quickness to respond vs. listen, a blockage of that inner voice-of that inner peace.
The fruit of abiding silence in my life, is the way I respond to That Which Is, and to the journey which is my life.
“That Which Is” I like that thought, Cathie.
Having reviewed this question earlier today my thought was: so many things, we haven’t enough time. Later in the day I stumble across Nepo’s response to being spiritual. The way Nepo finished his response brought me back to this question:
Center yourself, and as you breathe, realize that your spirit fills your life the way your bones and blood fill your hand.
As you breathe, realize that your life fits the world the way your warm and living hand fits a glove.
As you breathe, feel your spirit fill your skin and feel your skin fit the world.
What a lovely image.
I ride the train to work every morning. It’s a 40 minute journey and I always pack a book, my headphones, and sometimes even my laptop. Even so, most of the time I just get lost in my own thoughts and stare out the window. Maybe we don’t always need to be productive. Our lives are so noisy, especially with technology, we never really get moments to ourselves anymore. If I’m honest, it’s scary being alone with my thoughts during times of silence, but I’m trying to love myself more and be okay with my own company.
The universe arises.
I have to focus on silence…and silence of my thoughts….and then gratefulness follows.
Deep breathing. Silence. Peace.
Peace
Calmness
Presence
Deep, deep calm, and a full inhale and exhale.
Peace and relaxation.
The usual thoughts, which I can notice and label or can follow to see where they take me, whichever I choose in the moment.
Living in a very quiet neighborhood is important to me. We lived for several months in the heart of downtown Seattle and that isn’t my jam. I want to be close to necessary services but not live with the constant hum of traffic. We found a perfect neighborhood bordered on one side by a big forested park that buffers us, in a part of town that isn’t on the way to anywhere that creates traffic volume. I lie in my bed at night listening to the silence, broken only by an occasional owl (or an amorous neighbor cat…). Deep peace.
Those amorous cats can be quite vocal…….especially in the stillness of night!
It sounds like every evening is a retreat.
Among other benefits, I feel like having
periods of silence, is a check-in with how
I’m doing. Where my mind is at. Am I
focused? Scattered? Distracted? Bothered
by something? Pre occupied? If I am
able to see these states without judgment,
I can act accordingly to come back to a
more centered perspective.
In my tradition, Silence is another word for The Center of Consciousness, Atman, God—however; not anthropomorphized. In the Silence I remember who I am and detach from all of the temporary roles. Years ago my teacher said, “we can put [the roles] on a shelf and when we pick them back up they feel lighter.” Furthermore, we don’t need to pick up the identities that no longer serve us. This discrimination and peace exists in the Silence.
This sounds like taking a pause which is something I learned which works well for me. Thank you
Thank you, Avril…I love the picture in my mind of putting my roles on a shelf and then pick up only those that will serve me well…and all roles will feel better. Thank you!!
You’re very welcome!
Avril, I like the idea of setting down parts of myself to observe and decide whether to pick them back up. If they no longer serve us we can leave them and move on.
Thanks Barb
When I make space for silence, calm arises.
Magic 🎩
Succinct and True