Make Time For Silence
by
Eva Yaa Asantewaa

Weary travelers waited in JFK International's baggage claim area, watching the empty track wind its way 'round and 'round and 'round. But the track wasn't really empty. A wireless communication company had placed an ad on each panel of the snakey, revolving surface! We listlessly gazed down at the company's name, phone number and Web address swirling before our eyes again and again like a hypnotist's pocketwatch.

Increasingly we're held hostage to aural as well as visual noise of this kind, most of it designed to sell us something or sway our emotions or opinions. We've come to crave this noise, these distractions. We want not only our MTV but our radio, print media, Internet and videogames. It has now become *impossible* to have a lovely meal, sit anticipating the thrill of a Broadway curtain going up, drive your car or take a stroll down the street-alone or with a companion--without yakking on a cell phone. (Impossible! Imagine that!) Is there no space where one can glance and find open, safe space to nurture one's thoughts?

As a bit of a "news addict," I used to scoff at friends who periodically took "news fasts," but now I understand. Taking a break from the onslaught of media data-much of which is disturbing, manipulative, or pointless-helps restore balance and perspective. By removing ourselves from the atmosphere of media blare, we can better appreciate life's quieter music, its more subtle colors and flavors, and feel our true, previously muffled feelings.

Focusing and guarding the integrity of your mind are significant parts of psychic and magickal practice. That's why meditation has such a prominent place in most programs of psychic, intuitive, and spiritual development. Give yourself the gift of private time.


Five Minutes of Sanity and Sanctuary

Many years ago I attended a silent retreat weekend in a beautiful university setting. Although the retreat was sponsored by a Catholic group, participants were not obligated to attend religious services. I went solely for the silence, knowing that each of my fellow retreatants would respect the rules and leave each of us to our own thoughts and prayers. At that time in my life, it was the only way I could claim the richness of silence without anyone or anything disrupting it.

You certainly need not go on a religious retreat to benefit from a period of meditative silence. However, if you live with others or have a very busy, demanding schedule, you must learn to make your intention and boundaries clear. I suggest that you set aside a regular time for silent meditation-beginning your practice with 5 minutes, 10 minutes at most--and let everyone know that you will not be available for their needs during that time. After a while you may be able to expand your meditation time in accordance with your needs and situation.

Find a quiet place away from the usual human traffic, in your home or other environment. If there's a phone nearby, turn it off and turn down the volume on its answering machine. If you can lock a door, do so. However, if you're concerned that you might fall asleep and miss work, school or an appointment, set a clock or timer with a gentle alarm-or ask someone to gently alert you when it's time to get going.

I recommend sitting in a comfortable chair that supports good posture, with your feet flat on the floor (the Egyptian meditation pose). Or you may prefer a Buddhist meditation cushion and a cross-legged position. Either close your eyes or, keeping them partly open, gaze at a spot on the floor or ground a few feet away from you. Bring your attention to the natural flow of your breath. If your mind wanders-and many times it will-bring it back to your breath. All you need to do in your 5 minutes of silence and peace is breathe and be aware.

At the end of your allotted time, take a deep breath and feel it awaken your body. Take another, and let it serve as an internal embrace of all that you are-body, mind, and spirit. Stretch your limbs, wriggle your hands and feet, and slowly rise from your sitting.

You may choose to ground your experience by writing or drawing in a journal. However, if your time and conditions around you permit, don't rush into action. Allow the the next feeling or thought or image to unfold out of your meditative silence in its own time. Your meditation need not be anything more than a respite for your mind. Of course, if it naturally offers an additional gift, take it.


Five Minutes of Sound

It may seem odd to conclude this article about privacy and silence with a suggestion that you pay closer attention to the sounds around you. However, spending time in silence teaches us to still our impulsive, irritable reactions and respond instead to our sense-filling world in a fresh way. This meditation may be performed in a natural environment graced by the interplay of singing birds, babbling streams, lapping waves or creaking and whispering trees. In an urban setting, meditate upon the dissonant but sometimes fascinating mix of everything from a siren's wail to a child's laugh. Each of these environments has a secret, beating heart. Can you hear it? Simply allow yourself five minutes to sit with your eyes closed and listen with care and compassion.

(c)2001, Eva Yaa Asantewaa
[The preceding material may not be reproduced in any way, either in part or in its entirety, without the expressed written permission of the author.]