Oh my, this is such a thoughtful piece, and it resonates with me in so many ways. I need to sit with this awhile and let its wisdom and beauty sink in.
Silence is often represented by what it is NOT (noise etc.), as an absence. What you and Maggie are illuminating is how it can be a full and deep presence (of self, of observation). The yin/yang of noisy engagement and silent separation is valuable. I wrote a two line poem about that titled “Two Voids”.
“We wrapped ourselves in blankets as the evening chill descended, and settled together in a row, like a movie audience, to watch another perfect sunset slowly unfold.”
Alone, together, watching the world go. A fine end of day.
I love the serendipity of both awe-inspiring sunsets and the death of an amazing woman acting as catalysts to silence. You were blessed to encounter her and be inspired by her practice and a beautiful tribute by Rowan Williams on Last Word.
As others have said very eloquently, thank you for this Samantha. Much food for thought!
Though when I read this part “ …perhaps one of the most important, and that is learning to sit perfectly still for half an hour, perfectly relaxed mentally and physically, not meditating or doing anything with the mind except allowing the silence to seek it. This can be done, like learning to meditate, in increments.” - I couldn’t help thinking, but I thought just sitting still WAS a form of meditation. The idea of “just being”. A minor quibble. I realize it is more a question about semantics.
Dear Samantha--thank you for sharing your memories of Sister Maggie Ross. I have been struggling between my need for solitude and the need to volunteer in the many efforts underway in the U.S. to protect ourselves politically. The more pressured I feel by current events, the more I crave solitude. Now I think I understand why.
A very interesting and enjoyable read, thank you. It's inspired me to write something of my own, after a long wordless pause, so extra thanks for that.
The sunsets! You are blessed. I was hoping for silence when I took this into the garden with my breakfast to read it, but the clatter of chain saws which have been operating for days now and the sporadic gun fire from the army training range are hardly conducive! I have a silent place I can walk to later when I can reread the wise words of Sister Maggie in peace.
And of course, not forgetting the Quakers who have practised subversion, silence and subversive silence for two and a half centuries.
This is so beautiful. Thank you for the reminder and the inspiration
Oh my, this is such a thoughtful piece, and it resonates with me in so many ways. I need to sit with this awhile and let its wisdom and beauty sink in.
All in all, Sam, my saying nothing would be to the point. Thank you.
Silence is often represented by what it is NOT (noise etc.), as an absence. What you and Maggie are illuminating is how it can be a full and deep presence (of self, of observation). The yin/yang of noisy engagement and silent separation is valuable. I wrote a two line poem about that titled “Two Voids”.
Being without striving is emptiness.
Striving without being is emptiness.
“We wrapped ourselves in blankets as the evening chill descended, and settled together in a row, like a movie audience, to watch another perfect sunset slowly unfold.”
Alone, together, watching the world go. A fine end of day.
I love the serendipity of both awe-inspiring sunsets and the death of an amazing woman acting as catalysts to silence. You were blessed to encounter her and be inspired by her practice and a beautiful tribute by Rowan Williams on Last Word.
Thank you, Sam. I find myself left with a well of silence inside me, traversed only by my breath. A beautiful memorial for that lovely woman.
As others have said very eloquently, thank you for this Samantha. Much food for thought!
Though when I read this part “ …perhaps one of the most important, and that is learning to sit perfectly still for half an hour, perfectly relaxed mentally and physically, not meditating or doing anything with the mind except allowing the silence to seek it. This can be done, like learning to meditate, in increments.” - I couldn’t help thinking, but I thought just sitting still WAS a form of meditation. The idea of “just being”. A minor quibble. I realize it is more a question about semantics.
Wishing you many more glorious sunsets.
I loved reading this - thank you 🙏
I teared up reading this, it spoke to me so deeply. Thank you
Dear Samantha--thank you for sharing your memories of Sister Maggie Ross. I have been struggling between my need for solitude and the need to volunteer in the many efforts underway in the U.S. to protect ourselves politically. The more pressured I feel by current events, the more I crave solitude. Now I think I understand why.
A very interesting and enjoyable read, thank you. It's inspired me to write something of my own, after a long wordless pause, so extra thanks for that.
https://fionamasonwrites.substack.com/p/letter-from-my-room?r=bv6md
The sunsets! You are blessed. I was hoping for silence when I took this into the garden with my breakfast to read it, but the clatter of chain saws which have been operating for days now and the sporadic gun fire from the army training range are hardly conducive! I have a silent place I can walk to later when I can reread the wise words of Sister Maggie in peace.