Precious silence

We live in the world of words. People talk and think in words. When we walk or read the signs, browse the internet and many other activities; they would be done at least with some words too. Without being too wordy, I would like to summarize that we live with the fact that we need to communicate, mostly with words both spoken, symbolized or written. But great care should be taken if we don't want that words have impact that we don't intend to.

At least that is what I have been dealing with these past few days. I always love to hear sharing from my students, or their wonders about how the world works. However at least two of them used that opportunity a bit too much. They forgot about care also means to listen and to give others chance to be heard. Too much is always not impressive. This habit of sharing experiences, jokes and fun can no longer be fun without wise consideration of time and place.

After talking to them personally about this problem, these two beloved students and I made agreement. This is more into discipline that they need to carry out. It is in the form of challenge for them: they need to practice one skill that they would have never thought before! They just need to be silent for one day. They are required to use no words or as minimal as possible. In any case of urgency, they need to 'talk' by using sign language.

The purpose of this exercise besides to practice their self-control, is also to make them reflect how precious is the chance to talk-- and to listen! People can take for granted the ability to speak and to tell words anytime they want. But when we are aware that there is restriction, we tend to realize that we need to think before one word can be spoken.

Yeah. You can guess. That was not too easy at first, but after some deals of consequences, they made it today! How beautiful and how natural they are. When they have enjoyed and even savored silence, they preferred it over distractions. Even I myself was so amazed with such sudden change in their behavior and attitude and capability to accept and process instructions! That's real magic.

What a learning for me especially. How in this life  we need to appreciate precious silence. After being so encouraged by how silence can clarify and direct attention of my students, I challenge myself as well to practice it for spiritual benefit. We need to be still to know that He is God over all. A still mind a strong one, because it can focus and be very persistent in good things. What about gently remind ourselves to stay still and remember God from time to time, so that we can be moved by His love and lovely visit. Thus our heart becomes a sharp and mindful one, to be a good soil for love to grow.
Let us be silent and pray more; for prayers are the roots of beauty and love.