Silence & Discipline.

Silence frees us from the need to control others ... A frantic stream of words flows from us in an attempt to straighten others out. We want so desperately for them to agree with us, to see things our way. We evaluate people, judge people, condemn people. We devour people with our words. Silence is one of the deepest Disciplines of the Spirit simply because it puts the stopper on that. - Richard Foster

The discipline of silence is closely tied to meditation and the art of listening. These related disciplines are something I have been attempting to master over the past two years, as I have tried to remain patient and calm during a time of stress with the ups and downs of the economy, employment, and ongoing family drama.


It is always interesting when silence does much better work in a situation than does language or words. See, I love words. I play Scrabble daily online with friends, daily learn a word of the day, while continually enjoying reading and writing in my spare time. [When Liverpool or the Mariners aren't playing, of course] Words give me joy. But so too does silence.

When someone feels comfortable enough to open up their pain and sorrows, joy and triumphs, it gives me great pleasure knowing that my role in their life played a small part. And if one does not allow for silence in waiting, there is no room to breathe, no room for grow to occur. One must discover for themselves to grow fully. Letting go of the control of words is a powerful tool. And it is a difficult discipline because it gives the other person in the conversation, relationship, or partnership, control. But in doing so, we can breathe new life.