How to create true silence
If you struggle with silence or meditation, this practice will help.
Silence plays a central role in all wisdom traditions, yet it seems to be disappearing from our everyday lives. Silence evokes contemplation – we “enter into silence” – yet, at times, it is difficult to bear. This text aims to give space to silence, provides practical exercises for cultivating it, and offers an understanding of why it is, ultimately, silence that "comes closest to God."
What is Silence?
Silence is the absence of sound, and yet it is contained within sound; we simply stop hearing it. Therefore, we must admit that silence came first, followed by everything else – the Word, the hen and the egg, and even ourselves with our sometimes very noisy thoughts. Silence gives birth to everything, and perhaps this is why we feel closest to ourselves, or even to God, within it. But what does this have to do with God?
God as the Source and Effect of Everything
God is both the cause and the effect at once. Thus, God is perfect and present in all things – much like silence. Biblically speaking, He is the Father and the Son. More broadly, God is both the question and the answer. In true silence, we find both. When we become still and open ourselves to silence, we can feel this very clearly.
What Practices of Silence Exist?
In many wisdom traditions, silence is a central path to inner reflection and spiritual deepening. In Buddhism, sitting meditation and Vipassana help cultivate silence; in Christianity, contemplative prayer; in Hinduism, conscious silence (Mauna) fosters self-discovery. Indigenous cultures experience silence in nature as sacred, while Sufis understand it as a purification of the heart. Across all traditions, silence is passed down as a space for awareness, peace, and spiritual insight, as well as for connecting with the Divine.
How Can I Achieve True Silence?
When we begin to meditate, we are often given the well-meaning advice, “Just don’t think about anything.” Mental silence is one of the most healing states to achieve, but also the most difficult. We cannot simply “stop thinking,” because thoughtlessness only occurs when we have recognized and dissolved the root cause of our thoughts.
Thoughts are merely effects; often, our worries are the causes. By addressing these worries, we gradually quiet our minds, step by step, concern by concern, until we reach true silence – the eye of the storm. This is different from sitting in the storm and trying to ignore or conquer it, which only makes our thoughts louder. Ask yourself the following questions:
Guiding Questions:
What are the causes of my thoughts?
If they are full of worry: What makes me feel insecure?
What do my thoughts need to dissolve?
What do I need to find silence?
Becoming aware of yourself involves listening to your thoughts and needs, questioning where they come from, and not dismissing or fighting them. Instead, give them the space and care they require to dissolve. This brings us to a practical exercise.
Exercise for True Silence:
Light a candle.
Thank your thoughts for being there, acknowledge that you already have everything you need, and internally embrace the thought.
Spend a silent minute. If a thought arises, thank it and ask: “Where do you come from? What do you need to be quiet?” Observe and feel into it.
Give the thought – and yourself – exactly what it needs*, allow it to flow, and then reassure it that it may dissolve.
Notice the silence, embrace it, and repeat steps 3 and 4 as often as you wish. Then, thank yourself and blow out the candle.
This process will lead you to the most beautiful silence you can imagine. Along the way, you will learn much about your thoughts and your silence. Who knows, perhaps you will meet or recognize God within it. Thank you for trusting this process and yourself.
Closing with a Chinese Proverb:
"Speak only if what you say is more beautiful than silence."
I wish you a reflective silence and a beautiful Advent season.
Note: Use the power of visualization during this exercise. For example, intuitively let light flow, carrying the qualities the thought needs – gratitude, attention, or calm. Be free and imaginative. The goal is for your thought to receive exactly what it requires. Importantly, let your thoughts respond, rather than forcing the answer yourself.
If you would like support on your journey toward inner silence and peace, so you can live a healthy and happy life, I am here for you.
Schedule your free introductory call and discover how to develop your inner silence and strength. I am happy to be your guide.