This just arrived in my inbox, and it seemed worthy of sharing. Enjoy.
We are addicted to noise. We find it impossible go drive our vehicles without the radio on or a CD playing. Our televisions are running from the moment we’ve returned from work. We take our runs with ear phones filling our minds with music. We even walk with our friends while listening to our own music. We live as though we are afraid of silence, as little children who have to sleep with a night light.
Our reasons for filling our hours with noise are varied. Some find silence disturbing and a reminder that they are alone. Others use noise as a way of keeping out the sounds of the city, or the voices of their children. There are those who use noise as a way to keep from having to communicate with others. Some even use noise to avoid themselves.
Whatever the reason, noise keeps us from connecting with our inner self, wherein we have the opportunity for communion with God. Without silence we are unable to hear the voice of God speaking in the stillness of our heart.
It is not just monks who should be seeking out moments throughout the day where solitude and silence allow us to enter into communion with God, for the humble soul and a penitent heart are fed by solitude and silence. The human heart is open to the voice of God when in silence and solitude.
With love in Christ,
Abbot Tryphon
