In the Stillness: The Beauty of Silence

I’m the silent type. Sometimes that’s called being an introvert. I like my own company, and I love quiet. Just like other silent types, I can happily spend the whole day in company with others and say nothing. Yes! I can enjoy that experience, and actually be acutely aware of my companions.

This experience was something I learned to cherish when I went on silent retreats. On that kind of retreat, we don’t speak or write to each other. We avoid looking at each other, or do anything that isn’t yours to do – like help someone with groceries, unless it’s part of your assigned task.

On a silent retreat weekend, we flowed in and around one another and our surroundings. I was always aware of who or what was beside me. It was a kind of graceful dance.

We communicate on so many levels. Speaking and listening are 2 ways. Feeling, using our senses, sensing the energy within and without, connecting with those energies in whatever way feels right in the moment.

Non-silence has its place. So does silence.

Quote of the week

Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing 
and right doing there is a field.
I'll meet you there.

When the soul lies down in that grass
the world is too full to talk about.

• Rumi

The power of introverts

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Maryanne Nicholls is a Registered Psychotherapist.  To find out more, gain access to her weekly newsletter, meditations and programmes, sign up at www.thejoyofliving.co .