My OperaSweet, Simple Silence
Friday, September 14, 2007 3:29:41 PM
"Sharing silence with others is a profound act of trust, love, and courtesy.
It is a mutual gift, a necessity, a helping hand, a path, and a discipline."
- Gunilla Norris, Sharing Silence
It is a mutual gift, a necessity, a helping hand, a path, and a discipline."
- Gunilla Norris, Sharing Silence
Let's come together this coming Monday evening for a delicious time of silence. I am envisioning a short intro for newcomers, followed by guided meditation, outdoor walking meditation, a second - silent - sitting period, and a brief time for sharing.
Presence
by Gunilla Norris
We cannot really experience anything without being
present to it. True presence requires that we be attentive
to what is happening . . . here and now. It is an offering
of our awareness, our participation, and our willingness.
This is a basic and profound courtesy.
By such courtesy we are deeply transformed.
In silence we discover ourselves, our actual presence
to the life in us and around us. When we are present,
deeply attentive, we cannot be busy controlling.
Instead we become beholders--giving ourselves up
to the mystery of things. We become more willing
to let things be. And, as a consequence,
we can also let ourselves be.
This is so simple . . . and so hard.
Many of us have become uncomfortable with silence.
We do not regard it as a friend. In its presence
we feel uneasy, out of control.
We seek superficial reassurance for our busy minds,
instead of the deep confidence offered by
our silent vitality.
It takes time to rediscover the treasure of silence.
In it we can be found again. But we learn this
only by learning. By being present, moment to moment,
we may discern the richness of silence in ourselves
and in each other.
Sharing silence with others is a profound act of trust,
love, and courtesy. It is a mutual gift, a necessity,
a helping hand, a path, and a discipline.
Through silence our days are illumined--like rooms
filled with light--so we may inhabit our lives.
