In our times of intentional silence we will – though there are other approaches – usually look at the inside of our eyelids. We narrow down the range of what we look at so that there is less to prompt thought, memory, expectation, hopes and fears. And as we do that we free ourselves, by grace, to enter into the eternity of God’s life. In silence we may know something of infinity.
This is not the world we live in, though. Our earth is not infinite. In cosmic terms it is a dust mote. But it has another quality, a relative quality but one which makes an impact and has its own reality. Our world is not infinite, but it is vast. This is worth entering into as well. And maybe we miss it when we are silent, listening, eyes closed, hearts in eternity.
So do this.
Find somewhere you can be alone where you can see a few miles. Somewhere you can see a lot of sky. If you live near hills, great. Sea cliffs would be good. But you can go up to the top of a block of flats or a church tower too. The view doesn’t have to be classically beautiful and rural. It just needs to be big – a space in which you could get lost, pass unnoticed, wander in for a long time without crossing your own path.
You will want to vary your practice a little. This might be a time to stand. And you certainly need your eyes open. But bring to it the same presence, the same hereness and nowness. Only this time, be here, now, in all the volume of space with all the colours and light and loftiness it contains.
This may be quite hard. There are many more distractions. Great! It’s a chance to practise the discipline we are learning, of simply being here, now, attentive and open, still and receptive. Let go of memory, regret, anxiety, plans. Just gaze at the view and be in the bigness of the world.
Season of Silence 