For this month's Spiritual Journey Thursday, our creative poet, artist, librarian host, Jone Rush MacCulloch, offers a quote from Thomas Merton, "The world of men has forgotten the joys of silence, the peace of solitude, which is necessary to some extent, for the fullness of human living!". Following that, Jone poses a question, "What are you doing to promote periods of silence each day?"
The world is saturated with chatter that encourages loud noise regarding political, environmental, financial, family concerns, etc. I sometimes feel overwhelmed by the news and humanity's lack of kindness across the world. Often, I slip and stumble when grief sweeps over me. Internal noises lead to sadness. Yet, I know that "For God alone my soul waits in silence" (Psalm 62.1) Nature brings the essence of love from the Creator. With thanks, I lean into the beauty of the land, the flight of birds, and glorious garden grounds wondering if is this enough for me to remain present in still moments pondering what life will bring on my spiritual journey. Some days seem dark. Restlessness sets in and shuts out stillness. I reach out to nature to nurture my soul so I can find silence's the sacred space where I can contemplate in peace.
I sit here now listening to the sounds of silence, feeling the rise of breath and the exhale of what does not belong. This sacred space refreshes me and lets me contemplate about reaching the fullness of human living. I realize that I need to embrace silence more and revere it as a sacred space for inner growth.
In the book, "Healing After Loss, daily meditations for working through grief" by Martha W. Hickman, December 4ths' meditation speaks of silence. The ending thought brought clarity. "In the flurry of the next couple of weeks, I will try to spend a few moments each day in prayerful silence-my own particular stay against the emotional and physical tumult of these days." I thank Jama Rattigan for sending me this book that helps me slowly move beyond loss and friends that have walked this journey before me.
My Closing Thought on Silent Meditation:
- I will continue to write and provide time to ponder on how to remain calm in the midst of disquiet.
- I will quietly await for peace to settle in my soul.
Carol, I'm so glad you are finding peace in the stillness and silence. I tend to have A LOT going on at any given time (physically active and also insatiable imagination), so something I've really had to cultivate is time each day to do NOTHING. This is so challenging for me! Working on it...xo
ReplyDeleteThank you for your beautiful photos and haiku, and thoughts about silent meditation. I was just thinking this week about how noisy the world is and how scattered my thoughts are. Nature and traveling within are good antidotes for this unease so I appreciate this post so much. Good to also hear that Hickman's book continues to be a source of solace and inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI like that you've found solace in the everyday world, Carol, what does good for me, too. Your haiku shows it with the deepest feeling. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the peace I found here.
ReplyDeleteYour photos and words are so beautiful, Carol. May you continue to find peace in silent meditation.
ReplyDeleteYour post is a perfect accompaniment to Jone's, and also Jama's who shared a book about Mary Oliver and nature. I hope you spend lots of time with your grandchildren this holiday. The "S" sounds in your haiku beckon quiet.
ReplyDeleteCarol, I am glad you are seeking periods of silences purposefully to add to your well being. I can go all day in silence and be perfectly happy. It is something I've grown to recognize that I need. I hope you have a blessed holiday season and that the sounds of silence nourish your soul. Take Care ~ Carol Labuzzetta ~
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