Make Room for Silence

Mindfulness practices can help us get through stressful times, and can be used to create a sacred space anywhere we go. Here are two that you can try, both of which focus on listening.

*Together: Go on a Listening Walk (or, to make it even more exciting, call it a Sound Exploration!). Much like a prayer walk, you'll walk through your neighborhood or (if it's too hot outside) your home, but instead of talking to God, you'll just listen. Notice loud sounds and quiet ones. Close your eyes and focus your attention on one direction at a time. If you'd like, each person can carry a notepad and write down or draw each sound they hear. End this special time with a prayer of gratitude.

*Alone: Take the noise out of a daily activity. Choose something you do every day - watering plants, cooking, walking the dog - and instead of filling it with the noise of your music player, or the television, or conversation, commit to doing it in silence. Take in all of the sounds around you, and fully experience each one.

The world can be a noisy place, and sometimes the quiet moments give us opportunities to listen for the voice of God. Let us know how these activities work for you!