What happens when we stop shaking the jar of our lives and let everything settle? In this exploration of silence and solitude, we discover how intentional withdrawal from noise and distraction creates space for profound spiritual encounters.
The story of Elijah offers a powerful metaphor for our own journeys. After a tremendous spiritual victory, Elijah flees into the wilderness, overwhelmed by fear and despair. There in the "eremos" – the desert, the lonely place – he encounters God not through dramatic manifestations but through "the sound of sheer silence." This pattern reveals something essential about our spiritual lives: authentic connection with the divine often happens when we quiet everything else.
Our modern lives resemble jars of river water constantly being shaken. We fill every moment with stimulation, productivity, and distraction, never allowing the sediment to settle. When we do pause, we often confuse numbing with nourishing – binge-watching shows, scrolling social media, or even taking chaotic vacations that leave us more exhausted than before.
True silence and solitude confronts us with uncomfortable questions: Who am I apart from my relationships? My achievements? My distractions? As Blaise Pascal observed, "All humanity's problems stem from our inability to sit quietly in a room alone." We avoid silence because it forces us to face our inner chaos.
For those new to this practice, start small – perhaps just a few minutes daily in a quiet place without your phone. Establish a sacred space you return to consistently. Resist the urge to "do" anything during this time; the point isn't productivity but presence. Welcome the initial discomfort as a sign of how much you need this practice.
The rewards are profound: authentic rest, clarity of purpose, and most importantly, space to encounter God in ways that transform us from the inside out. This week, find your "eremos" and listen for what emerges when you stop shaking the jar of your life.
Join us! Facebook | Instagram | www.clcelkriver.org
