Today for my DC (Daily Challenge) I was supposed to close my eyes, relax, and soak up the SILENCE. No problem for me because I love SILENCE. SILENCE is not always easy to find however. I remember a time a few years ago sitting in the bathroom on a bench because it was the only place where no one was screaming at one another...and no they were not arguing...my family is just very very loud! Way too loud for me...and they still are. I am usually fine as long as I can find a peaceful corner somewhere. Like me...maybe you don't have a place where you can bask in SILENCE...the children, the dog, the cat, or like my house...even the refrigerator. I never really realized how many things buzz and hum and thump until there was a power outage. The SILENCE then was actually hurting my ears. Just like when I am in pitch darkness and my eyes try desperately to see something...anything...so do my ears...after all they were designed to hear...SILENCE seems to cause them to think there is a malfunction. But SILENCE, when you embrace it...is peaceful, like your favourite fuzzy slippers or fluffy blanket. SILENCE can allow you to breathe deeply...let stress out and much needed calming oxygen in. On the spiritual side, if we are always enveloped in sounds how can you hear the still small voice of God? I don't believe we can unless we take a break from all the things that produce the sounds. Like the TV, the mobile phones, the video games, etc. If you feel stressed...take 2-5 minutes and just sit in SILENCE, mediate, breathe deeply, pray, do what allows you to put balance back into your life. That will be beneficial to both you and your family. I had never read this quote before until my challenge today when someone posted a quote by Mother Teresa...I found another that I love all the more and would like to share it with you. SILENCE really is golden.
To make possible true inner SILENCE, practice:
SILENCE of the eyes, by seeking always the beauty and goodness of God everywhere, and closing them to the faults of others and to all that is sinful and disturbing to the soul.
SILENCE of the ears, by listening always to the voice of God and to the cry of the poor and the needy, and closing them to all other voices that come from fallen human nature, such as gossip, tale bearing, and uncharitable words.
SILENCE of the tongue, by praising God and speaking the life-giving Word of God that is the truth, that enlightens and inspires, brings peace, hope, and joy; and by refraining from self-defense and every word that causes darkness, turmoil, pain, and death.
SILENCE of the mind, by opening it to the truth and knowledge of God in prayer and contemplation, like Mary who pondered the marvels of the Lord in her heart, and by closing it to all untruths, distractions, destructive thoughts, rash judgments, false suspicions of others, vengeful thoughts, and desires.
SILENCE of the heart, by loving God with our heart, soul, mind, and strength; loving one another as God loves; and avoiding all selfishness, hatred, envy, jealousy, and greed.
I shall keep the SILENCE of my heart with greater care, so that in the SILENCE of my heart I hear His words of comfort, and from the fullness of my heart I comfort Jesus in the distressing disguise of the poor. For in the SILENCE and purity of the heart God speaks.
~Mother Teresa
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