Is silence a skill? Is it an art? Or is it just the natural flow of being deeply content, not needing anything more?
Nicholas Sparks writes in The Notebook:
“We sit silently and watch the world around us. This has taken a lifetime to learn. It seems only the old are able to sit next to one another and not say anything and still feel content. The young, brash and impatient, must always break the silence. It is a waste, for silence is pure. Silence is holy. It draws people together because only those who are comfortable with each other can sit without speaking. This is the great paradox.”
Our resistance to silence (our compulsion for distraction) is a symptom of an inner “tightness”. Old messaging that is convinced that something must be rushed toward, something must be done or something must be avoided at all cost. It’s easy to notice this inner resistance to stillness, just entertain the thought of sitting down for a meditation and notice the inner narratives rising to the surface in rebellion.
“Meditation provides a way of learning how to let go. As we sit, the self we’ve been trying to construct and make into a nice, neat little package continues to unravel.” – John Welwood
“Meditation is being in tune with our inner universe.” – John Welwood
Finding silence isn’t about retreating from the world. It’s about finding pockets of peace within the chaos. It’s about taking a mindful walk in nature, savoring the taste of a cup of tea, or simply closing your eyes for a few deep breaths. In these moments of quietude, we reconnect with ourselves, and in doing so, we reconnect with the world around us with a renewed sense of purpose and clarity.
Remember, silence isn’t the absence of something, but the presence of everything – a space where true connection and self-discovery can blossom. So, take a deep breath, find a quiet corner, and embark on your own exploration of the art of silence.
So, how do we cultivate this art of silence? Here are a few mantras to guide you:
- Silence is not the absence of sound, but the presence of peace. Embrace the quiet moments, savor the stillness.
- Let go of the need to “do.” Be present in the moment, even if that moment is filled with nothing but the sound of your breath.
- Practice meditation. Start small, even five minutes a day. Observe your thoughts without judgment, and gently return your focus to your breath.
- Seek out nature. The natural world offers a symphony of calming sounds – birdsong, rustling leaves, the murmur of a stream.
- Become mindful of technology. Schedule “device-free” zones throughout your day to create pockets of silence.
May your journey be filled with moments of profound silence and the peace that it brings.
Wishing you a beautiful Sunday.
– pierre –
Today’s LIVE meditation is: Finding silence.