I stumbled across an old review I had written for Into Great Silence, a wonderful film released around 10 years ago and filmed in the mountain-top monastery Grande Charteuse. There are no added sound effects, no soundtrack, and no commentary. The movie is very much a meditation in itself, and was deeply affective. It was one of the first times I had encountered silence as a spiritual practice, and coincided with my first introductions to mindfulness meditation.
I often find myself doing two or three things at once, running and listening to music, eating and watching/reading something, checking my iPhone whilst waiting for something to download on my computer. Silent meditation helps me to re-focus and to remember to just sit.
Try this meditation with your eyes open, and allow yourself to just listenfor five minutes. What does "silence" sound like? How does it affect you? Are you able to continue breathing into the silence and be still?
I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
I often find myself doing two or three things at once, running and listening to music, eating and watching/reading something, checking my iPhone whilst waiting for something to download on my computer. Silent meditation helps me to re-focus and to remember to just sit.
Try this meditation with your eyes open, and allow yourself to just listenfor five minutes. What does "silence" sound like? How does it affect you? Are you able to continue breathing into the silence and be still?
I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!