Silence Restores Us
Dear Soul Friends,
The other day, I met with a group of interfaith Doctor of Ministry students for a contemplative listening circle. The gathering was a part of the orientation for new and returning students. The purpose was to reflect on how Holy Presence is showing up in their lives and how it applies to their doctoral work.
As a spiritual director, I have been guiding contemplative listening circles for many years. I love hearing the stories people share and how they are guided and touched by a Holy Presence. As busy ministers, it is not always easy to listen to silence. They have work to get done, meetings to attend, budgets to balance, services to organize, people to visit, and sermons to write. Like most jobs and careers, it is normal to feel exhausted by the end of the day. Finding time for silence and prayer can be challenging, especially if there are children or complicated family matters to attended to.
But silence restores us. Silence is the place where our inner being gets to rest, be still, and wait for soul energy to show up. That’s what happened the other day. After a time of silence, guided reflection and sharing, our little room filled with energy and delight.
One woman who had been reserved and weary when she first entered the room suddenly spoke up. We could almost see the weight being lifted off her shoulders. She sat up straight and leaned into the room. Light sparkled in her eyes as she shared the insight that came to her in the silence.
Soul energy is the opposite of exhaustion and worry. Soul energy fills us with purpose, insight, and the desire to do the work that we’ve been invited to do.
Try to find time for silence even if you only have ten minutes. Find a comfortable chair away from the busy places in your lives. Sit and be still. Wait. If thoughts arise, let them go. Wait. Soul energy will show up.
Soul is not greedy. She just needs a bit of attention and she bursts forth with energy and delight. May your quiet be blessed with her presence.
Deep peace to you,
Susan
