I have been thinking about spirituality. And I think that many people from different backgrounds seek a more spiritual life. But where to start, what can mark the way, and where to end up?
For me the best single piece of advice was to pursue silence daily, even minute by minute as best as my situation in life will allow.
The silence that marks my way is not like going into a sound-proof booth, instead I seek silence I can enter — like seeing trees in a quiet park, or at night when ancient stars speak, in prayers with the mountains, in feeling a symphony by the sea, or in the beauty of the desert. Or my favorite, a dark monastery before compline(1). In all those places silence is given its voice.
Everyone is different — is at a different place. Regardless of those differences some people may find that an additional manner or connection with silence is on their way into a deeper spirituality.
_______________________
Footnote:
(1) Compline is part of a series of daily prayers and readings known as the divine office.
Picture Credit:
National Park Service Digital Image Archives
Dry Tortugas
National Park
(Florida)
I think the picture is part of Fort Jefferson. Construction on the fort began in 1846. "Fort Jefferson remains one of the largest masonry structures in the Western Hemisphere. Taking up the entire 16-acre Garden Key, one of seven islands constituting the Dry Tortugas." Source.
Let’s Elect Silence
3 weeks ago
Posts
I couldn't agree with you more, especially perhaps in these last couple of weeks before Christmas when the shops are more frenetic than usual and a sense of hysteria hangs in the air.
ReplyDeleteAye; tis a healing balm that silence. Instead of incessant sounds shredding our peace, we can hear God's whisper.
ReplyDeleteTess and Plain Catholic, keeping ourselves from breathing that hysteria takes some planning — at least it does for me. I need to plan the whole day as a time of waiting for the Christ and listening to God’s whisper and then fit in some shopping — and then back to the silence.
ReplyDeleteWe too, have found the enormous benefit of solitude and silence, within a monastic rhythm to the day. We are not official Oblates, but I guess what we are trying to create is similar. We have a vision in France to help others find God in the silence, and as an integral part of daily life. Our website for anyone interested is www.northumbriacommunityinfrance.net
ReplyDelete