http://andrewbrunelle.com/2007/03/14/an-unexpected-vow-of-silence/ A website devoted to philosophy, spirituality, humor, and everything in between Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:32:56 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.1 http://andrewbrunelle.com/2007/03/14/an-unexpected-vow-of-silence/#comment-655 Liara Covert Thu, 15 Mar 2007 23:55:17 +0000 http://andrewbrunelle.com/2007/03/14/an-unexpected-vow-of-silence/#comment-655 I recall a stay in a spiritual retreat where monks, nuns and other guests were silent throughout meal and dishwashing times. Instead of talking, we listened to nature through the open windows and classic Pachabel Canon with ocean sounds that echoed the nearby Mediterranean surf. This experience taught me to value silence. I also learned to listen closer to details right around me that I hadn't had the pleasure of hearing before. I recall a stay in a spiritual retreat where monks, nuns and other guests were silent throughout meal and dishwashing times. Instead of talking, we listened to nature through the open windows and classic Pachabel Canon with ocean sounds that echoed the nearby Mediterranean surf. This experience taught me to value silence. I also learned to listen closer to details right around me that I hadn’t had the pleasure of hearing before.

]]> http://andrewbrunelle.com/2007/03/14/an-unexpected-vow-of-silence/#comment-1704 Paul Lee Tue, 05 Jun 2007 00:42:47 +0000 http://andrewbrunelle.com/2007/03/14/an-unexpected-vow-of-silence/#comment-1704 Occasionally I notice the unneccessary NOISE in the world around me. Its at that time that I stop talking and just listen to the sounds I was drowning-out. I decide that those sounds are better music to my ears than the clutter I was creating in my mind with my own speech. This new silence often lasts for a few days, until my mind is captured by a phone call from someone who wants to hang out for a while. That leads to more speach and that leads me right back to running my mouth, when nothing of value is coming out. The cycle keeps repeating itself. Each time I hope to last a little longer. Occasionally I notice the unneccessary NOISE in the world around me. Its at that time that I stop talking and just listen to the sounds I was drowning-out. I decide that those sounds are better music to my ears than the clutter I was creating in my mind with my own speech. This new silence often lasts for a few days, until my mind is captured by a phone call from someone who wants to hang out for a while. That leads to more speach and that leads me right back to running my mouth, when nothing of value is coming out. The cycle keeps repeating itself. Each time I hope to last a little longer.

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