Newton Cowan, Transitional Director of Pastoral Care
There is the wonderful but challenging spiritual practice of silence. The older I get the more I appreciate silence. Especially in a world of constant human noise, from music to our devices binging with a new message, TV, cars, etc. Know what I mean?
To find the space, the time for silence takes practice. You can find an app on your phone called Centering Prayer which has a timer you can set for the desired time, plus other features, or you can just set a timer. Start with one minute and then work your way up. Trust me even trying to be silent and being in a quiet place for one minute can seem like a long time.
I found in the beginning that my mind began to fill with the list of things I need to get done. But overtime I have come to find some center, that the times of silence have been cleansing so instead of lots of thoughts rushing in they are going out.
A portion of Psalm 131 says, I will not occupy myself with things that are too wonderful or marvelous for me, but I have calmed and quieted my soul. So in those times, perhaps today, you are feeling overwhelmed with the events of everyday life, what is happening in our community in our world, make space for silence.
Here are some ways to get started:
- Wake up a little earlier to start the day with silence before the house begins to stir.
- In the car turn off the radio, yes there is still noise outside but, you will find you can think more clearly.
- Go to a park, the sounds of nature are centering to be in God’s creation.
This Lenten season give yourself the gift of silence.
