This was totally written by Samuel Gentoku McCree and lifted from
Tiny Buddha. I was so impressed with it, I had to post it here. I need these reminders today as I easily slip into
"Panic or cinnamon"! (Excitedly getting ready for all my children to start arriving tomorrow.)
“Silence is a source of great strength.” ~Lao Tzu
For over two years I spent one out of every four weeks in silence. At
the time I was living at a Zen Monastery and every month we would have a
week-long silent retreat.
During this retreat we sat meditation in silence, ate in silence,
worked in silence, and only communicated through hand gestures and
written notes.
At first living like this was hard, but over time I learned to grow
to appreciate silence. By the time I left I learned that silence was my
friend and teacher.
What did silence teach me?
1. Satisfaction
I used to think I needed to watch TV every night. But at monastery I went without and discovered I didn’t need it.
Silence taught me to be happy with less. Pick something that’s weighing you down and let it go. Your life will thank you.
2. Expression
When you can only talk by writing a note, you only say what’s important. Before the monastery I talked a lot but said little.
Silence taught me that a few simple words well spoken have more power
than hours of chatter. Think of one simple thing you can say that would
help someone feel better and say it.
3. Appreciation
Being able to speak makes life easy, but when I couldn’t talk I learned how much I relied on others.
Silence taught me to appreciate the value of relating to others. The
next time you see your friends or family, try to really listen. Deep
listening expresses deep appreciation.
4. Attention
Several times at my first retreat I thought my phone was vibrating.
But then I would remember I didn’t have my phone. It showed me how my
phone divided my attention.
Silence taught me how important it is to let go of distractions. The
next time you are with someone you care about, try turning off your
phone and putting it away. It will make paying attention easier.
5. Thoughts
I once sat a retreat next door to a construction project. What amazed
me was how easily my thoughts drowned out the noise. I realized if my
thoughts were this loud, I’d better make them as wise as possible.
Silence taught me the importance of shaping my thinking. Take time
each day to notice your thoughts and let go of thoughts that don’t serve
you.
6. Nature
Because I sat retreat in every season, I know that the sound of wind in fall is different than it is in winter.
Silence taught me to notice nature. Take a short walk outside in
silence and you’ll discover the wisdom and peace that nature has to
offer.
7. Body
During retreat I noticed that whenever I got lost in thought, I lost
track of my body. And when I focused on my body, my thoughts would calm
down.
Silence taught me to be in my body. Close your eyes and ask, “What
sensations do I feel in my hand?” Learning to feel your body can calm
your troubled mind.
8. Overstimulation
Whenever I went into town after retreat, the world seemed so loud and
fast. I came to realize how much our senses have to process most of the
time.
Silence taught me the importance of reducing the stimulation. Enjoy
some quiet time everyday. The less you see and hear, the more settled
your mind can become.
9. Sound
People would come to the monastery and remark how quiet it was. But
living at the monastery I knew all the noises, from frogs, to owls, to
the sound of sandals on the sidewalk.
Silence taught me that the world is a rich texture of sounds. Sit in
front of your house and close your eyes. You’ll be amazed at what you
hear if you listen long enough.
10. Humanity
During retreat I was surrounded by imperfect people who were doing
their best. Some were happy, some were sad, but all were wonderfully
human.
Silence taught me that people display great beauty. Find a good spot
to people watch with an open heart. What you see may inspire you.
11. Space
For a long time anytime something difficult came up, I would just
distract myself. But retreat taught me that if I avoided something it
would never go away.
Silence taught me that space helps me face hard times. The next time
you face something difficult, pause and honor whatever’s arising.
12. Love
I used to think love was this big thing. But in retreat I found that I felt love for so many things.
Silence taught me that love can be simple. Think of someone you haven’t said I love you to recently and tell them.
13. Courage
I used to think courage was about facing danger, but during retreat I realized that real courage is about facing yourself.
Silence taught me the courage it takes to be still. When we stop
moving everything we’re running from catches up. The next time you are
afraid, stop and wait for it to pass. There is immense courage inside
your heart.
14. Perseverance
Every retreat reminded me that speaking is easy, but staying quiet is hard.
Silence isn’t flashy, but it has an immense power to endure. The next
time someone doubts you, instead of disagreeing, silently vow not to
give up. Action is speaks volumes.
15. Faith
I often ask for reassurance or feedback. But living is silence meant I had to trust my instincts.
Silence taught me to have faith in myself. The next time you begin to
feel anxious, sit in silence and see if you can find the space of deep
faith that lives in your heart.
16. Honesty
I used to lie so I wouldn’t have to explain myself. But when I
couldn’t talk I began to notice this impulse and how much it degraded my
integrity.
Silence taught me the importance of telling the truth. Notice times
where you tell little lies and try telling the truth instead. It isn’t
always easy but it’s the first step to trusting ourselves and others.
17. Gratitude
During retreat I didn’t have a lot of comforts. It helped me see how
much I took for granted and how much I had to be grateful for.
At the end of every day sit in silence and ask yourself what am I grateful for. You’ll be amazed at the blessings you discover.
18. Simplicity
I used to love drama and conflict. But at retreat I found I was happier when I kept it simple.
Silence taught me that simplicity and joy are close companions. Pick
one space in your home you could simplify. Keep it simple for one month
and enjoy the ease it offers your life.
19. Connection
I used to think I had to talk in order to feel connected. I realized
during retreat that I can feel connected just by being near people I
care about.
Silence taught me that words can get in the way. Do something in
silence with someone you love. It will be awkward at first but
eventually you will see what it means just to be in someone presence.
20. Truth
I studied philosophy in college and I thought I could read about truth. But retreat taught me that truth is found in silence.
Silence has taught me a deeper truth than words ever could. Sit in
silence once a week and feel the truth in your heart. It’s there whether
you can express it in words or not.
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Have you ever been late? List five ways you have been late, remembering it is “Never Too Late To Love!”
Whether or not we make resolutions with the new year, we all
transition to a new, physical calendar. In recent years my favorite wall
calendar is called Pooped Puppies, a monthly collection of sleepy, or
sleeping, pups that can’t help but evoke an “awwwww.” for many years my
godmother gave me a flat, weekly desk calendar that featured National
Geographic photos. One of the great things about calendars is that for
each of us they fulfill the “form and function” requirement–a place to
indulge an interest while serving a purpose.
I have not been blogging much lately, but this Friday Five clicks with me because I love calendars and always write friends' birthdays on my new calendar on New Year's Day. I have done that since I was in college, which was more than four decades ago.
1. Kitchen calendar: I take time on my trips to look for calendars and tend to choose ones that are of nature, especially trees. This is the one that has everyone's birthday listed.
