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 ~
ReplyDeleteThanks for offering this post of silence. It’s harder than you think to find moments for quiet meditation. I hope your ankle is healing well and that the true meaning of the season comforts you in your grief. The book you mentioned seems just right.
ReplyDeleteSilence can be too loud and lonely in the midst of grief. I am glad that you will continue to write your way through and gather the wisdom of those who have walked the path before you. Wishing you peace and healing (especially your ankle).
ReplyDeleteCarol, what a beautiful post. Right now, my husband is in New England at the funeral of one of our elder uncles. He lived a gentle, sweet and robust life. He touched so many, many people. We are sad and we are not. My sister-in-law remembered her father's passing several years ago. She said, "I was so busy being thankful for what everyone did as he passed, that I forgot grief would come later." That's the thing--being thankful is wonderful and it can sit alongside the sadness of loss at the same time and in different measures. I feel for you.
ReplyDeleteYour photograph is absolutely magical! I love it.
Wishing you some relief from what pulls you against the currents this week.
Carol, I'm glad the post and the quote spoke to you. And I'm super glad that my swap arrive safe and sound. I hope there are moments of joy this season for you. I imagine the pain of losing your husband is still raw and painful. Grief doesn't have a timeline.
ReplyDeleteCarol, I find myself reaching out to nature also during times of tumult to nurture my soul. Blessings to you during this season as you walk this difficult path. And good luck with the ankle. I'm glad you were able to attend NCTE. Reminds me of the time we met up in a general session (more than 10 years ago). Wow, time flies!
ReplyDeleteCarol, thank you for the reminders to be still for even small moments each day -- to find comfort in nature, gratitude for time, and for the flitter-flutter of winter's coming. I hope you and your family recover from your flu --and that your foot is healing!
ReplyDeleteCarol, I join you in seeking solace in nature. This week it was watching cardinals and the hawk in our neighbor's yard.
ReplyDelete"Restlessness sets in and shuts out stillness." I can identify with this, for me it's often getting distracted that shuts out stillness. Always a challenge to settle ourselves in quietude.
Blessings for healing and solace as you face this December! So glad you were able to attend NCTE!
Sorry for the double comment - I couldn't find my earlier comment. - Ramona
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