Thursday, November 4, 2010

The Healing Power of Silence

Our culture over stimulates us. Television, cell phones, radio, and computers keep our minds active and distracted almost constantly. We watch news, weather, sports, commercials, movies, sit-coms, games shows, talk shows and more. TV is like radon to our souls. The continuous noisy, blare of voices and images poisons our spirits, diseases our minds and dulls our senses. When this happens, silence seems unnatural to us. There are people who can’t go to sleep without the TV on.

We have forgotten how to enjoy silence. We have forgotten how to empty our minds and be still. This negatively affects our physical, mental and spiritual well being. Silence brings us in touch with our inner longings and needs. Silence brings us in touch with our deepest feelings. Often we would rather run away from these than face them.

Silence also brings us in touch with God. Many have become alienated from spiritual realities. Throughout history, in every culture, man has sensed the presence of the divine. We must be silent to sense His presence. There are spiritual realities that aren’t available on TV or on the computer. There are spiritual broadcasts that are timeless and eternal but we must tune into these through silence. These broadcasts can easily be jammed. They are heard only in the silence.

We need to be in touch with the events and tragedies of the world. We need to see the pictures of the earth quakes, tsunamis, forest fires and wars in order to keep up with all that is going on in the world. And we need to have time to relax and be entertained. But we do not need to stare endlessly at the images on TV or be hooked up to an electronic device every minute of the day.

To find serenity, spend ten minutes or more in silence every day. Commit to taking the time for this period of silence and stillness. The longer you do this the more meaningful and valuable this time will become to you. To quiet your mind you can read from Psalms in the Bible.

“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

Blessings, Dottie

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