Greetings, Inspired Seekers!

Spring is here – finally – and the world awakens. Birds chirping, rivers rushing and raindrops gently splatting on walkways greet each new day. Of course, there are also the sounds of lawns being mowed, leaves and grass being blown away and weeds being whacked. The balance between the natural world and the human attempts at corralling it into some form of reconstructed beauty continues.

Then, of course, there is a different kind of sound (or noise) that assaults us – sounds of arguments and anger, frustration and fretting. These voices exist alongside cheers and chuckles, giggles and gasps of joy – the human sounds of reaction and emotion call out as we greet this new season of renewal and rebirth.

So, dear readers, when and where do we find the silence of Spirit? The points of reconnection, deep listening and mindful attention to holy Presence?

The Psalms remind us to “Be still and know that I am God.” The Hindus subscribe to mauna – the voluntary silence that creates a path to self-realization and sets aside the ego. The Torah defines silence as necessary to a deep and healthy relationship with God, and Buddhist teachings offer silence as a way to reveal deeper understanding and meaning.

If we desire a mystical experience and relationship with The Divine, silence, it seems, is required. In stillness, our world view changes; in silence, we discover a deeper inner voice, rooted in Spirit, rather than the cacophony of the world.

Many are uncomfortable with silence and if that is a struggle, we must ask ourselves why. To avoid that question is to deny a deep and sacred part of ourselves that teaches us how to listen, how to be and how to understand creation and all that is a part of it.

If our Higher Power lives within us and we embody this Power, do we not deserve to silently engage, listen and enjoy the wonder and awe of that relationship? I believe we do, I believe we thirst for it and for the benefits that this holy silence generously offers.

So, listen to the birds, trim the grass and then sit, in sacred silence, with the One who creates it all and lives within us. Happy spring!

Grace, Always Yours,
Reverend Deborah

Question of the Month: What will you surrender to and learn from holy silence?

The Reverend Dr. Deborah Darlington serves people of all beliefs through spiritual coaching and holy listening. She can be reached for sacred celebrations and other spiritual growth practices at GraceMatters@TheSpaceForGrace.com or at 215 260 1611.