On Holy Silence

I’m not a big tv watcher, and if I do have it on, it’s typically on in the background while I do something else, like crochet or paint. Recently – after bingeing my way through both seasons of House of the Dragon in a single week – I decided I needed something peaceful and gentle to counterbalance it, so I settled on a couple of seasons of Call the Midwife. And yes, I realize I am super late to that party but also let me say how delightful Chummy is and I want to be her bestie. Anyway, I was toodling along, crocheting my way through a Taylor Swift-inspired cardigan, and I got to a scene in CtMW where the nurses, midwives, and nuns, are waiting for news – waiting knowing that the news could in fact be devastating. And so they sat in a room together, quietly crocheting squares throughout the night, which were eventually joined in the morning to create a blanket – a blanket made with the love of so many different hands. And during it all, none of them spoke.

It was such an incredibly powerful scene, and as I watched – hooking along myself – I thought about the sheer beauty of silence, and how often we forget to value quiet. In today’s world, filled with constant noise and endless distractions, silence is often undervalued. However, in some spiritual traditions and practices, it is seen as sacred, a gateway to peace, wisdom, and deeper understanding. Holy silence is more than just the absence of noise. It is a spiritual state, a mindful practice of stillness where one quiets the mind, body, and spirit to become more attuned to the divine, the universe, or one’s own higher consciousness. It’s an intentional quiet that opens up space for reflection, deep listening, and connection with the sacred.

In many spiritual traditions, silence is not emptiness but fullness. It allows us to be present, to listen without the interference of one’s own thoughts or the world’s distractions. In Christian monastic traditions, for example, holy silence is a key practice, enabling monks to commune with God without the intrusion of speech or external noise. In Zen Buddhism, silence is essential in meditation, creating space for enlightenment or satori.

For me, one of my favorite ways of enjoying silence has always been in that hour before sunrise. When I was raising a family, it was the period before my spouse and children awakened, and it was the one hour I knew I could sit and think without disruption. It’s a liminal time of day, not quite bright enough for the morning to begin, but not dark enough to be considered night – and often I sit outside, drinking my morning coffee, listening to the birds starting their songs in the forest behind my house, and feeling like I’m the only person in the world, for a few brief moments. For me, it’s a time of deep reflection, of mindfulness, and of emotional awakening to prepare myself for the day that lies ahead. Many believe the voice of the divine is soft, often only heard in stillness.

Incorporating holy silence into your daily routine doesn’t require renouncing modern life or going on a silent retreat, although those practices have immense value. Here are some simple ways I’ve found helpful in deliberately cultivating holy silence:

• Start your day with a few moments of silence. Whether through prayer, meditation, or just sitting quietly with a cup of tea, this practice allows you to center yourself before the day’s tasks.
• Take time to walk in silence, focusing on your breath and the sensations of each step. Allow the stillness of your surroundings to permeate your mind, reducing mental chatter and fostering awareness.
• Spend a few minutes each day simply focusing on your breath. This practice of silent observation helps quiet the mind and brings you into the present moment, creating space for spiritual awareness.
• If possible, dedicate a day, or even a few hours, to complete silence. Whether at home or in nature, use this time for reflection, meditation, or prayer without external distractions.
• Before bed, spend a few minutes in silence, reflecting on the events of the day. This can help you process your experiences, release any lingering stress, and prepare for restful sleep.

Holy silence is not always easy. In our hustle culture that values productivity and constant interaction, silence can feel uncomfortable, even unnerving if you’re not used to it. Thoughts may rush in, and the mind may resist the stillness. However, you may find it’s in this discomfort that spiritual growth often begins.