Last week I was listening to people on CBC radio reminiscing about the Notre Dame Cathedral. I loved what one man said, that what he remembered most was the sound of the silence in the cathedral; how the silence was alive, how beautiful it was, and also how rare it is to experience silence of this quality today.
The sound of silence. I immediately understood what he was saying and could feel how sacred the cathedral and the silence were to him.
Silence is sacred to me as well.
I love sitting in silence. I love listening to the silence. It speaks to me and soothes my soul.
There is great wisdom in this silent space. I feel connected to something greater than the ‘I’. I don’t need to figure things out, and yet my questions are answered.
But it wasn’t always this way. There was a time when I would do anything and everything to make sure there was always noise – people, TV, radio, busy life. Yet for whatever reason one day that started to change. Slowly.
As I was writing this a fond memory came up to share.
I have always been a city girl. I have lived in London for most of my life and I have also lived in Vancouver and Toronto.
Over eight years ago, I decided to take an adventure and live on Cortes Island (located off of Vancouver Island) for 3 months. My relationship had ended and I needed a change of scenery. It was an ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ kind of thing.
I got a job cooking at Hollyhock which is known world-wide for incredible facilitators, workshops and of course their food – and bonus! It was ocean front. I rented a log cabin by myself and I would either ride my bike or walk through the woods to work. It was all completely new for me.
I remember very clearly when I arrived on the island there was a different quality to the air and to everything. There was a silence that I wasn’t aware of in the city.
Everything felt so alive. My body felt so at ease. I loved it! (I think it’s time to go back for a visit.)
I was surrounded by silence and it healed my soul.
Silence is a gift.
Silence is the place where we discover the truth of who we are.
Yet our minds and bodies are so plugged in all of the time. Minds are going nonstop, people are going nonstop, and there is little to no time to experience the silence.
Here’s the good news…
Silence is always there, ready and waiting for us whenever we are ready to stop and say hello.
Even if it is as simple as taking time to stop, drop into the moment and breathe.
The breath connects us to the present moment and to the silence within - and it is here that we will find the serenity we are so often in search of.
Be kind to yourself. The gift of silence is a beautiful act of self-love.
Take care,
Diane