silence

When we try to understand the world, the ever-expanding volume of information at our fingertips overwhelms. Noise surrounds us from every direction: the constant hum of traffic, the endless stream of songs, videos and news updates. Distraction becomes the norm. 
Yet, it is silence that reigns supreme. A wordless quiet envelopes the planet, waiting for us to listen. I’m reminded of this each time I get to the mountains or take a phone-free moment in my backyard. In those moments, the noise fades and silence speaks. It is a wordless call to depth, a bright abyss, a gentle knock at the door. 
To this, many say, “Ruthlessly eliminate noise from your life!” We must confront distraction with fierce dedication and make space for quiet. We drown out silence because we fear it. To avoid boredom, we fill our lives with constant activity – building sandcastles of productivity – because the vast expanse of silence tugs on our souls. 
Make boredom your friend and quiet your companion. Welcome the ignorance of current events and allow yourself to be be unproductive and inefficient. We are not machines. Silence is the path back to our humanity.

If I were a physician, and if I were allowed to prescribe just one remedy for all the ills of the modern world, I would prescribe silence. Even if the Word of God were proclaimed in the modern world, how could one hear it with so much noise? Therefore, create silence.”     Soren Kierkegaard (1813-1855)
 
Grace and peace,

Anita Sorenson
Pastor for Spiritual Formation