Silence is the Best Teacher

“In the fullness of silence, there is only consciousness, but no thoughts.” - Ramana Maharshi

The theme I want to explore today is silence, and it seems like less is more when approaching this topic. I’ll offer a few words, but experience is the best teacher.

In my life there has been plenty of silence. I am a single child with a hermit-like solo parent and I have spent huge swaths of time in silence.

For a time that silence was comfortable, and was space for creative expression.

Then for a time that silence was repulsive, and terrifying. Being alone with myself in silence felt like an assault.

When I began healing and meditative practices, I learned that the silence was a space to access a lot of emotion I didn’t normally allow, which was still terrifying but also interesting and ultimately transformative.

And now, the silence is largely peaceful and restorative for me. The silence is both very empty and very full. I meet myself there, and I realize myself as so much more and so much less than I understand myself to be. There is a timelessness to silence that is both unsettling and comforting.

The silence, apparently, is home to many paradoxes.

Whatever relationship you have to the silence, I invite you to embrace it as fully as you can.

Silence

by Hafiz

A day of Silence can be a pilgrimage in itself.

A day of Silence can help you listen to the soul play

Its marvelous lute and drum.

Is not most talking a crazed defense of a crumbling fort?

I thought we came here to surrender in Silence,

To yield to light and happiness,

To Dance within

In celebration of Love’s Victory!

Courtney Moore is a licensed acupuncturist in San Francisco, California specializing in spiritual growth. She loves sharing her passion for natural approaches to women’s health through her online articles and classes. Schedule a remote session or visit her clinic in Bernal Heights, San Francisco by clicking the booking link.