Silence

Silence is not specific to any particular tradition or cultural context; it is practiced throughout the world.

Silence is the practice of intentionally not speaking in order to develop a sense of calm and a keener observation of the outside world.

Observing silence can feel awkward at first, especially when you are with a group of people, and during meals. In time, silence can become a comforting practice that helps cultivate calmness and tranquility. Here are some ways to incorporate an appreciation of silence into your daily life:

• Designate a certain hour or half-hour of the day as a silent time, perhaps in the early morning.

• Eat a meal in silence. Silent eating helps you pay closer attention to your food and the changes in your appetite; you may find yourself eating less than usual.

• Use silence to help you become more attuned to your environment. Turn off the TV, computer, radio, or other noise-producing devices and listening closely to the ambient sounds that remain. Try to find a sound you’ve never noticed before.

• When conversing with others, listen to what they are saying. Often, instead of listening, we are thinking of what next to say.

Silence is practiced at times during all Center retreats and workshops, as it helps to cultivate mindfulness. It is a particularly powerful practice for people with busy, fragmented lives. Some retreats include silence until 12:00 noon each day and again in the evenings. Others include a 24-hour period of silence that is practiced during sitting and walking meditation as well as meals and personal time.

Periods of extended silence are usually more fruitful when connections between participants are already established, and when people feel well-prepared for the silence. While there may be some expressions of anxiety at the beginning of a full day of silence, by the end most people usually feel very comfortable with it, and often express a desire for more and lengthier periods of quiet. The resistance is often about desiring more time to meet and talk with others, but during silence participants learn that there is another valuable way to connect. In the initial sessions after a silent period, it is important to take care to reintroduce speaking in a way that doesn’t feel too abrupt, jarring or intrusive.

Links

http://www.calvin.edu/worship/worshipers/particip/zimmerman_silence.php
http://www.thubtenchodron.org/PrisonDharma/noble_silence.html
http://www.lamafoundation.org/sp-silence.htm
http://nipun.charityfocus.org/blog/ar/pilgrim10day/000897.html