Wednesday, July 08, 2009

Speaking of Silence

Old Chest in 'Palace'

Of late, I've been feeling silent. Life has been full— among other things... writing, writing, writing, to finish my second book... and now cleaning up messes before I send it off.

One of the ways I try to achieve synergy in such moments is to use one platform to explore or sustain another. So when I began working on my book's 'Silence' chapter, and I had a speaking engagement on the book of Esther, why naturally I chose to delve into the silence of God.

[if you think you'd enjoy the irony of a talk on Silence, why, have a listen here]

Similarly, in the past few months, I've often used my prayer and devotion blog as a way to pre-write about the various spiritual practices that will show up in God in the Yard.

Sometimes people ask me how I get it all done. Blogging, writing books, home educating, public speaking. It is this kind of synergistic approach that makes things work. Well, and the willingness to sometimes descend into silence.

Old Chest photo, by L.L. Barkat

RELATED:
Bradley's approach to summer blog silence

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9 Comments:

Blogger Unknown said...

My irony - I usually hear God best in the silence. Whispers in the trees, clouds floating overhead, His creation shouting His majesty and splendor without ever uttering a word.

My poetry for this week: http://mom2six-treasures.blogspot.com/2009/07/rap-cavern.html

Always grateful for your insights!

11:03 AM  
Blogger Sarah said...

Silence is good, for heart and soul. Blessings to you here.

11:47 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

And being really smart. I'd say "genius" but MG doesn't believe in it. Since he's smarter than me, I'll defer.

12:23 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

how brilliant you are, adding yet another voice to the already seemingly getting crowded world here. So many of us struggling to navigate all the tugging and pulling of blogs, twitter, facebook, blackberries, etc.
Longing for silence, listening for guidance in how much to write, share, comment.
You spoke with a sweet true voice, that gives your words and wisdom another dimension , like a poetry reading from the author .
Hearing the laughter and respect and awe.
I hesitated to listen at first, a fear of the disenchantment referred to in someone's earlier post.
Yes you are up there on that pedestal.
I think we live in community because we are called to. Sometimes it isn't ours to chose, sometimes we must come and go with a little wariness, a little pause and peek and quick exit.
And while silence is prayer , the spirit can fill us just enough or sometimes more than we ever imagined from a smiley face, a blessing, a comment, cyber hug, or the uploaded voice of an angel.

1:10 PM  
Blogger L.L. Barkat said...

Mom2Six... thanks for the poetry. Silence has an odd impact on me; sometimes I feel like I hear God and sometimes I feel profoundly lonely.

Sarah... it definitely helps the brain regroup! :)

Sam... shucks. Don't say anything else, or it might go to my head. :)

Deb... you're a sweetie. Now, about that angel voice comment. Can we bottle it and sprinkle it in my hub's eyes while he's sleeping? ;-)

6:46 PM  
Blogger Laura said...

When I visit here, I find myself wishing for more time because I want to visit every link you give and savor every morsel.

You are such a gifted writer/teacher, my friend! I'm so glad your hubs encouraged you to follow that destiny, and I cannot cannot wait until God in the Yard is in my hands!

11:07 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Descent into silence.
Story of my spring and summer.

Partly choice, partly necessity.
Thankfully, my make-up craves large silences.

3:32 PM  
Blogger Tea with Tiffany said...

Silence. I like it.

12:21 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

the sound of silence is like no other.... not just because I work in a noisy environment, have a busload of child visitors during the day, but because the sound of silence is the perfect blend of sweet and salty.

9:28 AM  

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