Silence

Yet in silence there is a deep balm for the spirit; and properly attuned to its positive qualities, we can almost feel it washing over us in a motion of pure grace.

Mike George


In our society we place so much emphasis on the vocal: good orators and conversationalists, the art of articulation and out-witting one another with words. But how much attention is paid to the power of silence? Not enough, that much is sure. I've always been far more attracted to quieter people; to the words left unspoken and the nuances in pauses. It's like children: it's always the quiet ones you need to watch.

Two nights with little sleep now. It's not a disaster. It's just two nights. In the great scheme of things it's insignificant. But my challenge for today is how to stay out of my shell and this is where the power of silence may be able to help me. Yes, I need to be a mother and a wife today and various other things, but that doesn't mean I can't have moments of being silent and trying to connect with an inner peace and strength. Yesterday at lunchtime I lay down whilst Lily slept and Maya watched a DVD (I've let go of that one now) and without a shadow of a doubt, just lying there in silence, breathing deeply, proved to be restorative and helped me through the afternoon.