Opening the Spirit

“While all things were in quiet silence, and the night was in the midst of her course, Thy Almighty Word leapt down from heaven from Thy royal throne.” (Wis. 18 :14-15)

Monasteries are places of silence. The stillness draws the individual to unwind and slow down, to decompress the hurried pace, to learn what it means "to be". Silence draws the Almighty down into the consciousness. But more. Silence lets us realize and know that the Almighty already dwells within.

All spiritual persons treasure silence because they know the value of slowing down, of letting go, of unwinding, unburdening, and letting oneself just "be". Silence is more to our nature than we think. And often, we find refuge in nature because of the silence it offers.

This Advent, make space for silence by carving out a time and a place to be still. Use props if you must. Jump start your thoughts with scripture if that helps. But do make the time for a period of deep silence. You will be amazed at what it will do to your life, and how the world of the spirit will open up to you.