In a world that rewards noise and constant doing, silence becomes an act of quiet rebellion – a way to return home to yourself.
Silence restores clarity. It’s in the stillness that the mind settles, and what’s true rises gently to the surface. Silence deepens connection. When we pause from speaking or reacting, we start hearing – not just others, but the subtle wisdom within. Silence soothes the nervous system. Just a few moments of quiet can shift us from chaos to calm, from reactivity to receptivity.
There are many wants to practice silence:
· 2-5 minutes of quiet in the morning and before checking your phone.
· Take a silent walk, noticing only the sounds of nature and your breath.
· Designate one part of your day as a “quiet hour” – no talking, no screens, no input.
For centuries, we have been instructed to sit in silence, to sit down quietly by ourselves and listen to the still, small voice within, and to stay long enough that the mind clears and energy gathers. Sitting in silence is beautifully simple and can change your life in unimaginable, meaningful ways.
Words on Silence:
· Anne D. LeClaire “Silence is not an absence but a presence.”
· Mother Teresa “In the silence of the heart, God speaks.”
· Hebrew Bible, 1 Kings 19:12 “Guidance arrives as a ‘still small voice’ or the ‘sound of sheer silence.’”
· Patañjali, Yoga Sūtras “Yoga is the settling of the mind’s movements.”
· Desert Fathers “Go, sit in your cell, and your cell will teach you everything.”
· Eckhart “Nothing resembles the Divine so much as silence.”
· Deepak Chopra “Everything that is created comes out of silence.”
· Rumi “There is a voice that doesn’t use words—listen.”
I recommend starting with 5 minutes of quiet, eventually working your way up to 30 minutes of blissful silence. Begin with setting an intention to “Listen.” Soften, notice the body, starting at the base or legs and on up to your head. Let your breath be natural, easy. Notice how you feel, notice sensations. Envision your body in the space, and if your thoughts pull you away, acknowledge them kindly and gently come back to your breath and your body. Rest in stillness, welcome awareness, and come back to your intention to simply listen.
When you are ready, open your eyes and make small movements. Ask yourself, “What did I hear? What insight did I gain or what did I learn? What came up that needs my attention? What is one action I can take or one direction to move toward following the wisdom from my quiet time? I also recommend journaling after your session of silence.
If you experience restlessness, lengthen your exhale and bring your attention to your hands or feet. If you become sleepy, open your eyes, lengthen the spine, shift and then settle.
Silence is a sacred pause – not empty, but full. It’s the breath between thoughts, the space where peace begins to grow. When we practice silence, we practice listening – to life itself.
-MaryBeth