ORIENTING TO SILENCE

by: Practicing the Way

First of all here is what it looked life in the life of Jesus.
LUKE 4:42

42 At daybreak, Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them.

We take our example from Jesus, who, even in a much slower and quieter context, needed to slip away and be alone with God. This should be a big alarm bell for ourselves, if Jesus needed it – we need it.

Here’s what that looks like for us. 

HOW TO  

1. Identify a time/place that works well for you

•    Time: For most people, first thing in the morning works best. You’re rested, fresh, and the day is young. For others, a more optimal time slot is when kids are napping in the late morning, or on a lunch break, after work, or before you go to bed. Feel free to experiment until you find the right fit. 

•    Place: Find a place that is quiet and as distraction free as possible. A comfortable chair with a blanket and candle nearby works well for a lot of people. Weather permitting, a park or nature reserve are also a good bet. 

2. Set a modest goal

•    No Experience at all: It’s better to start small and work your way up. We recommend you start with ten minutes, 3-5 days a week. 

•    Somewhat Experienced: If you already practice silence and solitude a few times a week, consider upping it to every day. 

•    Very Experienced: If you already practice silence and solitude daily, consider upping your time (to, say, an hour), or just giving your time a high level of focus. 

Then, for the practice… 

1. Put away your phone or any other distractions, settle into your time/place, and get comfortable

•    For most people, sitting with your back straight, shoulders relaxed, legs on the floor is a good start. Others do better lying on their back in a relaxed position. 

•    Some of you may prefer to do this exercise while walking or doing something simple with your hands, like laundry or drawing. 

2. Start by orienting to silence.

Incorporate Prayer.

There is this type of prayer called breath prayer – if you think “this feels a little like mindfulness, or meditation” I get where you are coming from. Those practices have co-opted the physiological creational order that God instilled in our bodies. What we are doing here is not mindfulness or meditation in new age or eastern religious practices because it is not emptying yourself and opening to a nameless cosmic energy. We are embracing the way God made our bodies to also engage our spirit and commune with the person of the Holy Spirit.

•    Close your eyes. 

•    Take long, deep, slow breaths (if you want, count 4 seconds in, 4 seconds wait, 4 seconds out, repeat). Inhale through your nose, exhale through your mouth. 

•    Start to pay attention to your breathing. Just “watch” your breath go in and out. 

•    Don’t focus on the constant chatter in your mind. Let each thought go as quickly as it comes, and just focus on breathing in and out. 

•    Your mind will seize this opportunity to run wild with thoughts, feelings, memories, to do’s, and distractions. That’s okay. Don’t judge yourself, feel bad, give up, or worry. When you notice your mind start to wander, just focus with a quick prayer, like, “Father… quiet my heart and mind, make me aware of you“ or “Come Holy Spirit” or “Jesus” and just keep breathing.

•    In the beginning, just 1-2 minutes of this is a huge win, and 10 minutes is a home run. 

3. Spend a few minutes “abiding in the vine” 

•    Transition into “the practice of the presence of God.” 

•    Notice God’s presence all around you, in you. For some people, it’s helpful to imagine the Father is sitting in the chair across from you or on a throne. 

•    Welcome his love, joy, and peace from the Holy Spirit. 

•    If you want, listen for God’s voice, or get something off your chest in prayer. 

•    But the main goal here is simply to “be with Jesus.” Don’t feel like you have to “do” anything. Just relax and enjoy his presence. 

4. Close in a prayer of gratitude and commit the rest of your day to the Father

A few things to note:

1. You can’t “succeed” or “fail” at this practice. All you can do is show up. Be patient. This takes some people years to master. Resist the urge to say, “I’m bad at this” or “This isn’t for me.” Don’t judge yourself, especially if you’re an overachiever type. 

2. If you’re more of an “S” on the Meyer’s Briggs, and sitting still is just death, you might want to try this while doing light exercise or going on a walk somewhere quiet and distraction free (like a park or short hike). Apply the same idea to a walking prayer, and just focus on your walking instead of your breathing.