We live in a world of constant chatter. It surrounds us from morning until night and for some, into the night as well. It fosters no peace. It provides no insight into what is important in our lives. It is the noise of endless opinions, sales promotions, blaring overtones and annoying undertones which drown out the natural world. No wonder we are a largely stressed out nation and world.
That may sound unduly negative. It might be, but it also might describe what many people feel each day. You be the judge. Although technology can exacerbate the problem, noise and chatter are nothing new. Think of Jesus surrounded by hundreds of people clamoring for his attention and begging to be healed. The pressure must have been enormous on him and it’s no wonder that Jesus sought out opportunities to retreat into the wilderness to pray, rest and recharge. He needed silence to find peace from the noise.
Silence can be a very powerful force. I’m referring to the deep silence in which we experience an expansion of our minds and the opening of our hearts. In that peaceful state we can experience a kind of communion with other people and our world. It is the “still small voice” referred to by Elijah when he was fleeing for his life from political enemies. It is the silence that brings us to peace within ourselves and others. It is what the Psalmist conveyed when he wrote, “Be still and know that I am God.”
This silence can be experienced in many ways. Meditation is one way. So is walking in nature or sitting and observing the world around us. The key is to consciously take a break from our busy lives, be still, calm your breathing and thank yourself for taking the time to feel what it is to be a human being, created to love and to serve.
— Reflections appears regularly on the religion page. The column features a variety of local writers, coordinated through the Monroe Area Clergy Group. Charles Wellington is a lifelong student of the teachings of Christ Jesus and regularly meditates with the Great Plains Zen Center in Monroe.
