Silence has many dimensions. It can be a regression and an escape, a loss of self, or it can be presence, awareness, unification, self-discovery. Negative silence blurs and confuses our identity, and we lapse into daydreams or diffuse anxieties. Positive silence pulls us together and makes us realize who we are, who we might be, and the distance between the two. Hence, positive silence implies a choice, and what Paul Tillich called the “courage to be.”
Thomas Merton
After my meditation and quiet I ventured up to Pineridge Natural Area to spend time in the silence I find in this sanctuary. Baby cottontails greeted me as I arrived. Rabbitbrush and sunflowers danced with the light wind. No words in this silence but so much is said and heard. To me this is positive silence. As I stood there and watched the sun break through the clouds a light rain began to fall. The light rain was refreshing with both its feel and fragrance. May you have a wonderful Sunday and the “courage to be.“
3 Comments
geri oster
Thank you, Monte, for this distinction. It is helping me to understand my hiding is not silence for I am not bringing Creator in here with me. For me, for silence to be positive, Creator is ever present with me in it. I so feel that when emersed in your world of photographs and words, hence I return here for my peace. Thank you, Blessings, g.
Monte Stevens
I’ve heard the saying that wherever i go there I am. What if we believed that wherever I go there is the Creator. I am so glad you enjoy my humble images and words. Namaste!