Silence

Photo by Kristina Flour on Unsplash

Let’s face it when we talk about Silence many of us cringe at the thought of doing this practice.  In my own life I have been driven by my own internal image of “looking” successful and using productivity at my job to create the “image of success”. When I would try being Silent or still the silence would make me uncomfortable. It just seemed so unproductive.  So, when I attempted to practice Silence in the beginning, I would fill it as quickly as I could with just about anything else to stay distracted. I just was not ready to be alone with myself yet.   

Most of us are moving at paces in our lives that are not sustainable not only for our bodies but also for our souls. We were not created to perform but were instead created for authentic relationships with God, ourselves and others. When we allow ourselves to sit in the silence, Jesus reminds us that our relationship with Him is the most fulfilling and transformational aspect of life. Silence invites us into a deeper relationship with Jesus. Saint Mother Teresa said, “in the silence of the heart God speaks.” I often wait for God to reveal himself to me in my daily circumstances that I am working through. Yet, God’s work in my life is often unhurried and quiet just slowly revealing more of himself to me and more of myself to him.

In the silence of our hearts, Jesus reminds us that we are His Beloved and there is no failure or accomplishment that can change this truth about who and whose we are. As we grow in our true selves the freedom that comes from being the beloved will slowly change our interior motives allowing our bodies and souls to seek the Silence that comes in sitting with Jesus.     

To get started with Silence, find your quite place or space, it can be a favorite room, or it can even be outside. Just make sure that this place is set aside for your time with Jesus. Try to be as consistent as possible in returning to this space each time and day, by setting aside this time your body and soul will look forward to this very sweet time to be with Jesus.  No Distractions during this time.  This is a sacred time and place!

As you begin Keep your prayers simple and short. Allowing space for silence is crucial to hearing from Jesus. Give yourself grace and be open to just being with Jesus instead of “doing” something for Him.