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The noise of our world has become so commonplace that it’s hard to imagine any other way of living. Perhaps you’ve noticed it—the constant buzz that seeps into every corner of our lives. Finding a tranquil space in the modern world proves difficult. And even when we do stumble upon a place that invites stillness, a television hums in the background or a cellphone buzzes with a notification insisting it must be attended to immediately—lest something be missed.
Four years ago, I began a spiritual practice of retreating to a monastery at the beginning of each year. It felt like a necessary spiritual activity: to sit in silence for a few days in search of clarity, peace, and stillness—to hear, once again, the still small voice.
So last week, I returned to the Monastery of the Holy Spirit to sit in solitude, to read, walk, pray, and encounter the gentle presence of a loving Father who delights in spending time with His children.
The atmosphere there is still and quiet. It breathes holy. Peace seems to settle into your bones. A hush fills the space and settles deep within.
The air is cool inside the stone-built sanctuary. Before the sun rises and light spills through the stained-glass windows, the space feels otherworldly, as if time itself slows. The presence of the Lord moves gently through the silence, like “the Spirit of God hovering over the waters” (Genesis 1:2). There are no outside sounds to muffle it.
In that quiet, prayers wander and meander until they have said what they need to say. Interruptions are few—save for the monastery bells calling you to join the monks in prayer. Scripture passages linger and echo in the heart for hours. God’s presence is deeply known—interiorly sensed. The silence gently loosens the grip of the noise we carry with us every day.
This silence is not about escape, but about attentiveness. It gently strips away what is unnecessary, leaving us face to face with God, just as we are—resting, listening and trusting. It was in these silent moments that The Desert Walk began to emerge.
Reflection
Where in your life are you longing for stillness, and what do you sense God offering you there?
What stirs in you when the noise quiets—and are you willing to remain there long enough to listen?
4 Responses
You are blessed to have a monastery so close. What I do have is that where I live it is very quiet…so when I take my walk, I take it within with the Lord and without soothed by the nature around me. It is blessed time and refreshes my soul.
Beautifully refreshing indeed to be in His creation!
Silence is God’s first language. Our minds are constantly making commentary on everything
we experience. Silence & stillness allow us the opportunity to hear Him speak to our soul
when we stop & rest in His indwelling Presence. The more I give time to silence & stillness,
the more confident I am of His abiding Presence & His love and the more I am able to share
that love with the people in my life.
“Silence is God’s first language.” I love this! I think about our being formed and knitted in our mother’s womb and the sound of God’s silent presence. Thank you for this sharing. I will definitely ponder this.