We recognize that silence and solitude are among the most profound spiritual practices available to us on this journey. The desert mystics of early Christianity modeled for us a radical embrace of these practices through the Prayer of the Heart, the Jesus Prayer, and a life of peaceful solitude. Their example awakens in us a longing to experience that same inner stillness and union with the Divine Presence.
Like the Benedictine monks, we too seek stability amidst the chaos of this world – not running from difficulties, but grounding ourselves in hospitality, service, and a willingness to begin again. Silence and solitude beckon us to let go of our need to constantly perform and assert ourselves. In the quiet, we learn to simply be and to listen with our entire being.
Can we become open channels through which the eternal Word is spoken anew in this moment? Can we allow ourselves to be dispossessed of our narrow self-preoccupations so that we may dwell in the expansive love of God? The mystics across spiritual traditions summon us to this generous way of being present. Their lives are radiant examples of what is possible.
We are grateful for the teachers of the last century who recovered these treasures of contemplative spirituality for us. Their words and wisdom nourish the holy longing stirring within. Even when the path seems unclear, our sincere desire is enough to set us on the way. One step at a time, may we embrace the transforming embrace of silence and solitude, until we become living prayers in this world so beloved by God.
Summary
Silence and solitude are considered the most important spiritual practices by many spiritual teachers and traditions throughout history. The desert mothers and fathers (ammas and abbas) from the early centuries of Christianity embraced practices like the Prayer of the Heart and the Jesus Prayer to achieve inner stillness and oneness with God through silence and solitude. The Benedictine monastic tradition carried this forward with its emphasis on stability, beginning again, hospitality and service. Silence and solitude allow us to listen deeply to ourselves, others, the world, and ultimately God speaking all things into being – dispossessing us of living solely on our own terms. In the last century, figures like Evelyn Underhill, Howard Thurman, Thomas Merton, Basil Pennington, Cynthia Bourgeault, Richard Rohr and others helped recover these contemplative traditions. The speakers honored writers, poets, activists and mystics from various faiths who embodied and transmitted the spirit of silence and solitude through their words and lives. Ultimately, the desire and intention to embrace contemplative practice, even amidst struggles, is itself a step towards deeper silence and solitude.
Key Points
1. Silence and solitude are considered the most important spiritual practices by many spiritual teachers and traditions.
2. The desert mothers and fathers (ammas and abbas) from the early centuries of Christianity embraced silence, solitude, and practices like the Prayer of the Heart and the Jesus Prayer to achieve inner stillness and oneness with God.
3. The Benedictine monastic tradition, with its emphasis on stability, beginning again, hospitality, and service, carried forward these practices of silence and solitude.
4. Silence and solitude allow us to listen to ourselves, others, the world, and ultimately God speaking all things into being. It dispossesses us of living life solely on our own terms.
5. In the last century, figures like Evelyn Underhill, Howard Thurman, Thomas Merton, Basil Pennington, Cynthia Bourgeault, Richard Rohr and others helped recover and promote these contemplative traditions.
6. The speakers honor writers, poets, activists and mystics from various faiths who embodied and transmitted the spirit of silence and solitude through their words and lives.
7. The desire and intention to embrace contemplative practice, even amidst struggles, is itself a step towards deeper silence and solitude.