Vivificat on Holy Silence

"...this little treatise on "Holy Silence" at the website of the Dominican Contemplative Nuns - Corpus Christi Monastery, Menlo Park, CA..."

A good summary of the differences between, and value of, varities of silence. Observe:

"Holy silence must be joyous, warm, embracing. It is only virtuous when practiced out of love for God and for others. It creates a climate that facilitates recollection and nurtures the fruits of recollection. It expresses an openness to others. Our silence is an attentiveness to the word of God that will be spoken to our heart."

The treastise also describes the negative kind of silence that can plague our relationship with God:

There is also an unhealthy and negative type of silence. Non-communication can express mute rebellion, obstinate refusal, deep resentment, passive aggression. By not speaking one can often avoid being challenged, avoid taking a stand, avoid the relationship that should be nurtured, avoid the demands of love.

As a Fool that aspires to contemplation, I find silence the greatest challenge. Whenever I sit and pray in silence, the chorus of voices begins. The to-do list screams. The past comes calling. The future dreads draw near. The missed opportunities haunt. The joyful events of tomorrow arrive. And so on.

To persevere through this to that joyful silence is to march naked across the desert. When I arrive...what can I say about it? That it's sweet bliss? That it's a peace beyond understanding? That it's like resting at the feet of the savior? Don't ask me? My words fail before His Presence.

Silence, the way home
Footfall of spring rain upon
Mountain waterfall

Perhaps this is the best I can do.