The Basic Practice Silence is often referred to in terms of
space: the immensity inside, the cave of the heart, the oasis
of quiet, the inner sanctuary, the interior castle, the sacred
center where God dwells. For centuries, people have used
this practice as a resting and renewal stop on the spiritual
journey. It provides a way to periodically withdraw from
the world. You may go into silence as a prelude to prayer, or
you may seek it as the place where through meditation you
can contact your deeper self and Spirit. How can you find
this inner quietude, tranquility, and calm? You must make
room for it – literally. Find a space of physical silence where
you can sit quietly, away from distracting demands, voices,
and sounds. Go there every day. It is the gateway to your
interior silence.
Why do this Practice? Our world contrasts sharply with the
inner world of silence. We are bombarded daily with the
noise of crowded residences, workplaces, and entertainment
sites. The clamorous voices of the media are always trying
to get our attention. We live amidst the seemingly relentless
roar of our machines, our tools, and our toys. Very few
places today are soundproof. The norm is noisy verging on
chaotic. The Tower of Babel still stands in our midst, a grim
reminder that our various expressions can divide and even
conquer us. When this world feels overwhelming, silence is
a powerful antidote. This practice increases our capacity for
contemplation. It enables us to focus our attention on deep
matters of the heart. It is where we can commune with things
greater than the cacophony all around us.
Mantra Rhythmically chant the words of this prayer (based
on Psalm 46:10), pausing for contemplation after each line.
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
Practice of the Day “Silence engenders the space called, so
evocatively and beautifully by Benedictine monk, David
Steindl-Rast, ‘God bathing.’ In God bathing, the body is still,
speech is silent, the mind is at peace. One bathes in the presence
of, the very Being of God.”
– Kathleen Dowling Singh, in The Grace in Dying
Set aside a special time for God bathing.
Engaging in this Practice
Personal reflection❑❑ Incorporate minutes of silence into your daily routine:
observing one silent minute at your desk before beginning
work, while sitting at a park bench during lunch, in
your car before starting the drive home, or after watching
the evening news.
❑❑ Write a response in your journal to this thought by
Hermann Hesse: “Within you there is a stillness and
a sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and
be yourself.” Go to that quiet place. If you want, draw
a picture or describe the qualities of your inner silence.
❑❑ Write about an experience of silence. Where were you?
Was it during a particular period of your life? Did you
enjoy being silent? Did you find any part of the experience
difficult? What did you learn? (Assess your aptitude
for silence.)
Group discussion
❑❑ Share a story about times when you tapped into the
potential of silence as a seedbed for creativity or inspiration.
❑❑ When have you found it was necessary to go away to
escape the noise of the modern world? Where did you
go and what kind of silence did you encounter?
❑❑ What role has silence played in your spiritual development?
If you were raised in a religious tradition, how
was silence regarded?
❑❑ Eat a meal this week together in silence. Afterwards,
discuss your experiences and decide whether to make
this a regular part of your household routine.
❑❑ Sharing silence in a group context is a worthwhile discipline.
Join a group or form one of your own. It could
be organized around mindfulness practice, centering
prayer, or just sitting in silence without any structure.
❑❑ Many communities, surprisingly, have few places where
people can go to be quiet, safely, alone. Survey your
community to identify places of peace and quiet. Then
organize a group to develop other sanctuaries of silence.
Copyright © 2000 by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat. Used by permission. Originally
published in Spiritual Rx: Prescriptions for Living a Meaningful Life by
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat (Hyperion). Text included in the pages devoted to
the spiritual practice of silence at www.SpiritualityandPractice.com.
Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2012 Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Pentecost 1 2013 71
