Silence

For your consideration…

For some it seems obvious. Silence is where we get our answers. It is where we get clarity. It is where we find peace. Yet many people are afraid of the silence. They are afraid of what they will hear.

I see it all of the time. It starts early. It starts with our children. Some of that is natural we may think. It is natural for kids to be active. But still, they should be able to be silent for a few moments. They should be able to close their eyes. It is very telling, those children who can’t. They are insecure. They do not feel safe. As they get older, they may feel embarrassment.

To be comfortable with silence is a gift precious to a healthy life whether you are a child or adult…all ages.

Getting silent may seem like you are vulnerable but it is the exact opposite. It is where we find our strength.

We are asked today to spend some of each day in silence. It is preferable to do it around the same time each day but anytime is perfect. Do not judge it. Any attempt, no matter the length of time is successful. It is the practice that matters. The more we practice the more comfortable we become. Soon we will lose that vulnerability, that discomfort etc. Soon we will hear the silence and what it needs to tell us.

That is the HOPE. And so it is.

Bit by bit, piece by piece, HOPE by HOPE action steps anyone can take…

-Affirm…“I am loved.”

-Meditate/pray…ask…”What is my next step for my highest good and the highest good of all?”

-Drink lots of water.

-Get outdoors and take in at least 10 deep breaths.

-Spend time in silence.

What made me smile yesterday…

-We spend time each day talking about emotions and the “zones” they are in ie; frustrated =yellow, green=happy, sick=blue, red=out of control etc. At the end of the day yesterday, we were out of time and things were chaotic. It was taking the kids a long time to respond and the other teacher was very frustrated. She asked, “Do I seem angry?” emphasizing she was not happy. One of the students responds, “Yes, red zone.” It took every ounce of self-control to not laugh.

-A beautiful day.

-A good book….a series actually.

-A good conversation with Alex. We are so excited she is coming for a visit.

Love, Blessings and Gratitude,

Rev. Chris