Silence, Solitude, and Stillness
September 21, 2022
If the thought of sitting in extended silence sounds challenging or even awkward, you’re not alone. Even Micki Ann acknowledges that silence, solitude, and stillness are some of the hardest rhythms to learn – but also the most important. In this episode, Adam and Micki Ann look at these three concepts, what makes them difficult, and the benefits they offer.
Instead of thinking about silence, solitude, and stillness strictly in terms of absence (of noise, people, or movement), Micki Ann explains that these conditions allow for an experience of the “very rich presence [of God].” Of course, the absence of distractions can be uncomfortable, and it’s essential to pay attention to the thoughts, emotions, and temptations that emerge in the quietness. But if you can recognize and address these resistances, then you can begin to enjoy the peace cultivated through these three disciplines.
Listen in to this episode to hear what the Rhythms Retreat on silence, solitude, and stillness is like and learn some tips for developing these practices on your own.
Jump Through the Conversation
[1:22] Explaining silence and solitude
[2:31] Acknowledging and dealing with discomfort
[5:21] Creating a place of peace
[8:09] Explaining stillness
[9:42] The importance of addressing our reactions to silence, solitude, and stillness
[16:48] Tips for cultivating these rhythms
[24:51] Identifying the desire to develop these practices
[26:04] Benefits of silence, solitude, and stillness
A resource of the Chattanooga House of Prayer