Again a quote from the Christian tradition, this time from the monastic community of Taize, in Burgundy, France. I went on a silent retreat there from Ireland many years ago,  and was struck by the simplicity of the lifestyle and the kindness of the welcome. This quote reinforces the practical words of Kabat Zinn this morning, encouraging the development of silence as a way of working with worrying thoughts.

How is it possible to reach inner silence? Sometimes we are apparently silent, and yet we have great discussions within, struggling with imaginary partners or with ourselves. Calming our souls requires a kind of simplicity: “I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvellous for me.” Silence means recognizing that my worries can’t do much. Silence means leaving what is beyond my reach and capacity. A moment of silence, even very short, is like a holy stop, a sabbath rest, a truce from worries.

Taize Community,  The Value of Silence