The state of silence, as a powerful and positive influence in the guidance of one's life, is too often overlooked. And yet, it is in silence only that man reaches the depths of existence. On the surface of life, one sees but the surging waves, dashing and clashing with one another; storms and whirlwinds, turmoil, clamor, and confusion. In the deep of life, however, there is stillness, majestic and divine. In the deep of life, there is only unity and harmony and love… Below the surface, all is clear, all is revealed; there we behold the mighty Power from Whom all reality springs. …silence is exceedingly essential in closing the valve to the expression of thoughts and feelings which are not wholesome… In entering into a state of silence, you withdraw yourself from that abnormal state created by your own excitement… You withdraw whirlpool and draw breath again. In the state of silence, you will find rest for tired nerves; you will find a peaceful harbor in the sea of turmoil around you; you will find a way to the solution of your perplexities; you will find guidance toward the specific task designated for you in life; you will find the joy of peaceful meditation and closer communion with your Maker.
The state of silence is a healthy state… To have habitual moments of silence every day will deepen the stream of your life, and bring you fuller joys. In a state of silence, reflect calmly on one or another of the deeper problems of existence... You will emerge from the silence, refreshed and underplayed. You will find yourself charged with energy, and vibrating with finer emotions. A state of silence is not only a place of refuge for those who seek escape from the storms of life, and who seek happiness in calmness, but it also the place where one may seek for guidance and find it unerringly. At such moments, enter into silence, seek for guidance and for strength, and you will find them.
However, the silent periods of the day mean far more to us than merely periods of relaxation… Our silent period is also a period of concentration, of silent prayer. We find that man can pray best in moments of silence, that the human mind reaches nearer to the realms of the Divine Mind in these moments, and that one's whole being can then be absorbed in an earnest and devoted appeal for help. In moments of silence, man does not need to pray elaborately or even urgently, but earnestly and with concentration. In silence, it is not the exterior powers of man that engaged in prayer… it is the inner focus of man that express themselves. When these inner powers of man are concentrated in prayer, words are not essential. It is purely one's mind that communes with the Divine Mind, laying its petition before the Source of Life, seeking health or wisdom, guidance or joy, and hope from the very Fountain of existence. Silent reflection, profound meditation alone brings the human soul in touch with the Infinite. Everything that is in the constructive range of the mind is within the range of prayer. The oppressive shadows will vanish from his consciousness and joyful thoughts will appear… pessimistic emotions will cease to trouble him and hopeful ones will animate his being… The mind will gradually emerge from confusion to clearness, from the struggle of conflicting emotions to perfect peace. It is in silence only that man reaches the depths of existence.
Devote a small period of each day to silence and meditation, and you will find your health, peace of mind and happiness… If you wish to learn the secret of prayer, learn how to pray in moments of silence, how to attune your human mind to the Divine Mind, how to concentrate on your prayer clearly and earnestly and faithfully, how to open your consciousness to the influx of Divine blessing. With each communion, you will come closer to God.
God, too, answers man's petition in silence; no voice is heard, no hand is visible, but the wounds are closed up, pain is eased, and well-being is restored.
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