Complete Silence

Zebras don't bray or bark unnecessarily. Humans could learn a lot from the silence of the zebras. Why are we so uncomfortable with quiet? If there is a momentary pause in a conversation, someone rushes in to fill it. Music or television may fill every room of a house. Look around and you will find people with earbuds in their ears or cell phones seemingly attached to their ears. Even our worship services are often so overly choreographed with music, greetings, readings, and responses, that we barely have time to hear whether any Word from above had descended upon us. What is wrong with silence?

Silence is not an emptiness waiting to be filled; silence is a fullness in danger of being emptied. We can learn from every peaceful moment if we let it surround us like the air of a cool breeze or the water of a warm bath. Quiet can envelope us, permeate us, and deliver us.

When we perceive silence as a void that must be filled, we demand a great push of energy from ourselves. If we attempt to carry a load on our backs and carry on a conversation while walking uphill, we become winded, tired, and drained. Talking too much or otherwise keeping the silence at bay can use up our resources.

We should take the time-- even a few minutes a day-- to recognize that complete silence is a gift and a special moment to be savored. Just stop and listen. Hear the clock on the wall. Notice the birds chirping outside. Listen to the sound of your heart beating in your chest. Be still and know that you are complete without making a noise. Just listen, and quiet the noise in your head.

When you are really starting to enjoy the brief glimmers of peacefulness, lengthen your quiet time by a few minutes until that becomes comfortable. On one bold day, you may even choose to leave the electronics off. It is time to connect with yourself in the completeness of silence.