Sabbath Silence

Intentional silence is a very enriching, though trying activity.

Choose a period of time or an activity–like walking or hiking, either alone or with a loved one.

Refrain from talking at all.

Notice what happens in the silence: the desire to talk, the need to respond to what you see or hear or feel, the discomfort from the restriction of communicating.

When author Wayne Muller first started practicing Sabbath silence he was utterly convinced that everyone was angry at him. He couldn’t rely on his typical charm, wit, or brilliance to engage and “win them over.” He resented the silence at first. After much practice he now delights in the silence, they have become safe, sweet, and thoroughly restful.