The Value of Silence

"Contemplation is essentially a listening in silence, an expectancy... In other words, the true contemplative is not the one who prepares his mind for a particular message that he wants or expects to hear, but who remains empty because he knows that he can never expect or anticipate the world that will transform his darkness into light. He does not even anticipate a special kind of transformation. He does not demand light instead of darkness. He waits on the Word of God in silence, and when he is ‘answered,’ it is not so much by a world that bursts into his silence. It is by his silence itself suddenly, inexplicably revealing itself to him as a word of great power, full of the voice of God.”

In order to connect my thoughts, my ideas and feelings, I turn to my need for silence, that of the world and of my own heart - in the moments when I am with myself and God alone. I have been going through a really tough time emtionally and psychologically with a friend of mine who currently lays in a hospital bed.. it's very hard to comprehend life in its entirety when the world speaks so loudly. So many words - as much as l love words and how they have the ability to form emotions, change worlds, encourage people and change lives.... Sometimes.. words need to cease in order that you may hear and listen fully and completely. There is nothing like a life altering circumstance to make you stop. Be still and quiet and realize. When such traumatic things happen in my life I suddenly become fully awake and spontaneously in awe of the sacredness of life. Then I remember the Source - the Almighty.. whom suffice it to say we take for granted at times....

In silence I get to know again that Source, obscurely, inexplicably, undoubtedly, but with a certitude that goes both beyond reason and simple faith.. It is a knowing.. I know life and I know God. And that is the only comfort one can have in life - the only sure and real thing. And how else, but through silence and meditation on what is true, what is real and what matters, can one appreciate all of this.

In prayer is power
In silence is realization
And in living with conviction and circumpection is reality.