I wasn’t able to fully retreat into silence this week, but I committed to practicing silence in blocks of time. I am looking ahead to Spring break in less than 2 weeks.
Then I will embark more deeply into practicing silence. The snippets of time I’ve attempted silence this week have been small windows into its power.
At those times I noticed an equal feeling of restraint and freedom. Because I was not expecting myself to speak, I was not worrying about what to say, or how my words might come across.
I was not talking just to hear my voice! My responsibility in verbal communication was both constrained and released.
When I am silent I can hear my inner voice, my thoughts, more clearly. I am more aware of them. This has been very revealing. That inner voice is at times jarring.
I have realized the pervasiveness of thoughts of inadequacy and fear. In silence I realize the power and impact of my voice, both my inner and my audible voice.
Today was warm and rainy. I was blessed with time at home today so I practiced silence. The open windows and doors brought the sound of birds and I was reminded of rainy, summer days of my childhood.
A calmness that almost felt like boredom filled my senses, but it wasn’t boredom – that’s just what my childhood self might have called it. It felt more like an openness, a space void of any need to be filled.
There was no commotion. It was very nourishing. I look forward to going deeper into the practice of silence.
What a beautiful discovery Amy. Even in small moments, silence begins to reveal its gifts of clarity, awareness, and a deeper connection to your inner voice. The fact that you noticed both the challenge and the nourishment shows your MKE practice is already working.
Well done, Amy! That practice of silence can produce great revelations and inspirations – keep practicing:)