How to practice silence in a busy life

Silence is God's first language; everything else is a poor translation. In order to hear that language, we must learn to be still and to rest in God.

— Thomas Keating quoted in The Sun & Moon Over Assisi by Gerard Thomas Straub

Our lives are busy and anything BUT silent! Here are a few ways to try to get more silence in your life.

Be silent in the car.

Don’t listen to music or a podcast. Just allow your mind to wander.

Silence is not a hole to be filled.

This is a phrase I teach my children: silence is not a hole to be filled. Allow it to be. I try to remember for myself, as well. When it feels too quiet, don’t fill the hole with TV, or socials, or conversations that don’t truly matter. Allow space for the Spirit to move.

Don’t read before bed.

Books are visual noise. Sometimes that’s good, but maybe you can spend some of that time you would normally read praying or contemplating instead.

Use the wake-up times in the night to pray.

When I wake in the night, rather than get up and play on my phone, or get a snack, or whatever to fill my time, I ask my Mother to hold me and imagine and try to feel Her with me until I fall back asleep. Maybe you could try breath prayer, meditation, or whatever way you connect with the Divine. Embrace that silent time.

Our lives in the modern world are never going to be completely silent. Remember that ultimately, the goal is a quiet heart, not a perfectly silent environment, and give yourself grace.

If you want someone to help you look at your life for spaces where you could insert silence, I'd love to help you! Check out my coaching offerings.