| Why are you so afraid of silence? Silence is the root of everything. If you spiral into its void, a hundred voices will thunder messages you long to hear.
~ Jalal ad-Din Rumi |
Entering Silence: Lessons from Nature in Winter
The season of winter is truly a paradox! Most things in the natural world appear to be sleeping, dormant, and restricted in movement. With shorter days and longer nights it is the time of darkness and quiet. Some describe winter as a time when life and death occur simultaneously. The paradox is in this apparent stillness where growth continues unabated.
During this time, it is common for animals to become reclusive, inactive; they “hibernate” and go into a very deep sleep. Their body temperatures, heartbeat and breathing slow down and they use very little energy. Trees also rest in the winter.
Unlike the rest of the natural world, humans today are not as attuned and respond quite differently to the changing seasons. We barrel our way through this most magical season, ignoring the opportunity it offers to rest and restore our energies, enter silence and be taken into deep reflection of the past and develop new visions for the future.
Here are a few ways to slow down this winter:
- Create a special place in your apartment or home where you can sit alone quietly and breathe for 5-10 minutes a day. With focus you will be able to hear your heartbeat and the sound of your breathing.
- Take time to move your body! Stay physically active by taking a hatha yoga, tai chi, or qigong class at least once a week. You could also rent a DVD or borrow one from your local library. Taking long walks (without your cell phone) in a peaceful or quiet environment is equally beneficial. These physical activities are not only important for keeping our internal organs nourished and warm during this season, but help us slow down and take quiet time away from the business of daily life. Movement helps us get out of our head and connect with our bodies.
- In the midst of a crisis or feeling caught in a chaotic whirlwind, bring awareness to your immediate situation. Stop, breathe, and change your routine right away. Take a walk, listen to your favorite tunes or do a creative activity (collage, paint, draw or write in your journal).
- Consider mindful eating, paying attention to the taste, flavors and textures of each morsel in your mouth at a designated meal each day. Nourish your body with a wholesome meal. Choose a comfortable place (at a table or on the floor), set a beautiful spot (candle, flowers, and whatever you find aesthetically appealing) and savor a delicious and healthy meal. Add soothing instrumental music in the background for effect!
- Make a ritual of taking a long relaxing hot bath organized in a way that soothes your senses. For some this might include the use of scented candles, soothing music, oils, flowers, incense and natural soaps.
It is in deep solitude that I find the gentleness with which I can truly love my brothers [and sisters]. The more solitary I am, the more affection I have for them.
It is pure affection and filled with reverence for the solitude of others.
~ Thomas Merton |
Recommended Reading
  |
The Arrow Over the Door
by Joseph Bruchac
Puffin Publishers, 2002
This is a beautiful and touching narrative, based on a real historical incident, of the encounter between two teenage boys, a fourteen year old Quaker boy and a young Abenaki Indian both who value silence as a tool on their journey for peace. |
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Silence: How to Find Inner Peace in a Busy World
by Christina Feldman
Rodmell Press, 2003
This book offers a deep and comprehensive reflection on the value of silence and its personal and collective impact. |
  |
Indian Spirit
by Michael Oren Fitzgerald and Judith Fitzgerald
World Wisdom, 2006
This is a powerful collection of quotations by Native Americans illustrating their deep embrace and respect for the sacredness of silence. |
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Stillness: Daily Gifts of Solitude
by Richard Mahler
Red Wheel, 2003
Presents benefits of quiet-alone time for the stressed-out and discontented. |
|
Just Listen
by Winifred Morris
Atheneum, 1990
This is the story about Tara who grew up in the city and, visiting her Grandmother, learns to listen to the sounds of the natural world and those of her inner self. |
Recommended Viewing
  |
Why We Fight
Directed by
Eugene Jarecki
Sony Pictures, 2006
This is a moving documentary for citizens who care about a peaceful world and the folly and waste of war.
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Recent Publications
|
The Activist's Ally
120 pages and audio CD. Comb bound, full color.
$20.00 plus shipping
The Center’s newest publication, The Activist's Ally: Contemplative Tools for Social Change, is a resource manual for social justice activists seeking to bring contemplative practice into their lives, communities and workplaces. Social justice workers will find this a valuable resource for personal transformation. It provides tools and techniques for both individual and group practice. Copies are available for purchase in our online store. |
Silence is painful, but in silence things take form, and we must wait and watch.
In us, in our secret depth, lies the knowing element which sees and hears that which we do not see nor hear. [...] When sub-consciousness becomes consciousness, the seeds in our winter-clad selves turn to flowers, and the silent life in us sings with all its might.
~ Khalil Gibran |
Our Upcoming Workshops, Retreats and Announcements
Awakening the Heart and Inner Wisdom:
A Retreat for Activists, Organizers, and Service Providers
January 16 - 18, 2008
at Nine Mountain, Plainfield, MA
For those who work in the realm of community transformation, this winter retreat offers the opportunity to draw one’s energies inward in preparation for the new season. Participants will receive support in sustaining one’s energy and commitment to social change work, face the suffering one meets on a daily basis and create a tranquil space for reflection and clearing the heart. Learn more at www.contemplativemind.org.
A Gathering of Activists and Organizers of Color
April 29 - May 2, 2008
Menla Mountain Retreat Center, Phoenicia, NY
This retreat is for grassroots social change organizations committed to transforming the culture of organizing. 6-8 mentors, senior organizers and activists, will serve as allies and mentors. We encourage registrations from individuals beginning their careers in activism and organizing, ages 17-35. Learn more at www.contemplativemind.org.
Deep Replenishment and Connection
with Lama John Makransky
July 18 - 20, 2008
Garrison Institute, Garrison, NY
The meditation practices of loving communion and presence taught in this retreat are adapted from Tibetan Buddhism to make them freshly accessible to people of all backgrounds. These practices can help us become more fully present and connect more deeply with others, so as to evoke their hidden strengths beyond the limiting judgments of society. Learn more at www.contemplativemind.org.
Other Events
Spirit in Action’s Leadership Program
January 16 - 20, 2008
at Pendle Hill, PA
www.spiritinaction.net
Meditation Practice and Discussion for People of Color
Shambhala Meditation Center of New York
118 W 22 St. 6th Flr.
New York, NY 10011
212 675-6544
www.ny.shambhala.org
People of Color Buddhist Meditation Group
Boston, MA
For 2007/2008 weekly meeting schedule and location, contact pocmeditate1@mac.com.
Classes and Workshops in Nonviolent Communication
Nonviolent communication (NVC) is a process developed by Marshall Rosenberg and others which people use to communicate with greater compassion and clarity. It focuses on two things: empathy — listening with deep compassion, and honest self-expression — exposing what matters to oneself in a way that's likely to inspire compassion in others. The ideal of NVC is to get one's own needs met while also meeting others' needs.
Communicating with Compassion
A project of the Institute for Peaceable Communities
Workshop located in
Amherst and Arlington, MA.
www.communicatingwithcompassion.org
Seeds of Connection
Classes and workshops in Northampton, MA
www.seedsofconnection.org
You can search for many more classes and workshops at http://www.cnvc.org/training_list.aspx.
Spirituality and Progressive Social Justice Research
Are you involved in progressive social justice work and have a spiritual practice?
Interested in participating in a research study that seeks to understand the ways that people do or do not express their religious practices and their social justice work together?
Visit http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=3TXeRLWijTAJYw_2bx4As_2bjg_3d_3d
An Invitation from the Buddhist Peace Fellowship
Do you yearn to be part of a community that shares a commitment to engage in peace and justice work with compassion? Do you see your concern for the world and your spiritual practice as inseparable?
If so, the Buddhist Peace Fellowship invites you to become a member. Our members are the source of our energy, and provide support for our Peacework, Transformative Justice Program, Youth Program, and more.
As a BPF member, you'll receive:
- A subscription to Turning Wheel, which Jack Kornfield calls "the best Buddhist journal I read." Every issue is filled with stories from grassroots spiritual activists as well as from leading socially engaged Buddhists such as Joanna Macy and Robert Aitken Roshi;
- Invitations to BPF events, conferences, and member gatherings;
- Discounts on selected products, including books, t-shirts, and more.
Most of all, being a BPF member means being a part of a community that aspires to meet suffering with compassion and to raise a collective voice for peace. Since 1978, we've been present on the frontlines of efforts to work for peace in Iraq, call for nuclear disarmament, and end the death penalty. Your membership helps to support all these efforts, and more.
Please join the thousands of people from many Buddhist and other spiritual traditions who count themselves as BPF members, including Robert Aitken Roshi, Pema Chodron, Ven. Thich Nhat Hanh, Joanna Macy, and Robert Thurman. We look forward to your partnership!
To Join, visit https://secure.groundspring.org/dn/index.php?aid=8113
For more information, contact:
charis@bpf.org
phone: 510-655-6169, ext 304
web: www.bpf.org
The Center for Contemplative Mind in Society
199 Main Street, Suite 3
Northampton, MA 01060 USA
phone: (413) 582-0071
fax: (413) 582-1330
email: info@contemplativemind.org
web: www.contemplativemind.org |
