Hermit's Way - Silence
The Art of Silence
Not everyone is able to prosper in silence, If it makes one irritable to be constantly in silence, perhaps one's call is not to the eremitic life. One learns to be silent by being silent, more than by talking or reading about it, it is a discipline. No need to comment on everything we hear or observe. The silence and stillness of our being is an attentiveness to the word of God that is spoken to our hearts and minds. His word continues to be written across our hearts as it guides and transforms. In silence we see the world through the eyes of Christ, the hungry, the lonely, the oppressed. In silence, prayer comes in a flowing stream.
There is an unhealthy and negative type of silence. This form of silence is also seen in the secular world as "the silent treatment". The failure to communicate can express resentment and passive-aggressive tendencies. We can also avoid being challenged, avoid taking a stand, avoid the spouse that requires nurturing while avoiding the demands of love. Silence may be a sign of suspicion, moodiness or it may be the sign of an aloof nature. Such a silence often comes without benefit of a "Do Not Disturb" sign.
The ego does not remain silent, as it seeks to gain control and organize life for all of its own glory. It easily creates chaos in our hearts, our neighborhoods and the global community. It makes us insist on the rights and reputation of me, myself and I. We can only experience silence and simply being when we learn to surrender and trust Him. When we silence the inner being we are at peace in the presence of the Lover of our souls and the Love of my life. In quieting the static of the mind we more clearly see His presence in the world.
~ Tracey Christopher+, H., MDiv. professed and ordained African-American Hermit-priest in the US.
Taoist Meditation
"Close your eyes and you will see clearly
Cease to listen and you will hear truth
Be silent and your heart will sing
Seek no contact and you will find union
Be still and you will move forward in the tide of the spirit
Be gentle and you will not need strength
Be patient and you will achieve all things
be humble and you will remain entire."
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