As we sat at the breakfast table on the last day of our eight-day silent retreat, the silence was now broken, and we had the opportunity to connect with each other before leaving. One of my fellow retreatants asked those of us sitting at the table, What’s the theory behind silence? She was self-admittingly brand new to this idea, and it was such a heartfelt and honest question.
One person explained that silence allowed one to hear from God without the distractions of everyday noise. True, that was. Another described that even with the noise during the retreat (we shared the space with other events), our silence allowed for an inner peace to begin to settle. Also true.
I offered, knowing this fellow traveler was new to the road. That is such a good question. You should keep asking it and listening to the different answers you will receive. Some questions are answered best not by one but by asking many.
For me, silence isn’t about what I will “get” from God, although I remain confident that I will receive. Silence is about a practice of presence. Can I stretch myself to give my full attention to the moment for a purpose that I may not fully comprehend?
This silent retreat served as a deep breathing space between one magnificent season of life-giving community and an upcoming yet unknown work and calling. Silence is like a gentle guide, slowly and gently helping you to hear and see what is impossible to discern in the day-to-day press.
Silence is rest. Silence can be writing, walking, working out, swimming, sitting, birdwatching, or simply gazing at flowers. All of it is an offering of prayer.
It might seem extravagant and wasteful to some, but similar criticisms were aimed at another Mary for pouring perfume over Jesus’ body, as described in John 12:1-8.
Those of us on this directed retreat may have experienced the silence individually. Still, we retreated with a community to go out into the community more aware of the gift of God’s presence and our sense of being loved by Him.
I am hopeful that what my new friend received wasn’t so much an answer but a confirmation of her experience of practicing the presence of God. And she, like me, will try it again.
How have you experienced silence?
If you want to experiment with this soul practice, I recommend a couple of books I used when I took my baby steps with an afternoon of silence and a 24-hour silence practice. Let me know if you need encouragement; I will gladly journey with you!
Resources for Silence and Retreat
Wilderness Time: A Guide to Spiritual Retreat by Emilie Griffin
Your thoughts prompted me to go back to my bookshelf and look through some of my favorite books: The Practice of the Presence of God (Brother Lawrence), Basking in His Presence (Bill Volkman), Too Deep for Words (Paulist Press), and what started my journey, Experiencing the Depths of Jesus Christ (Guyon). These book transformed my relationship with God!
As I leafed through them I noted the dates that I had began reading – 1999 to 2001. It made me laugh to think that was when I had 2 teenagers and 3 toddlers! haha!
I am reminded that we need silence and the practice of His presence in all seasons of our life – even now in empty nest & retirement.
Thanks for pulling me back to these thoughts and these familiar worn out pages. Hugs!