THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE
Today I am doing something a little different which could become a somewhat regular format as I include a short conversation with my friend Jupiter (Joseph) Hamilton.
Once long ago I read that the Quakers’ idea of church was to sit in silence and listen for the still, quiet voice within. This greatly influenced me and I started listening for the inner voice as meditation. This went on for many years and I often experienced an answer to my listening. If I was confused clarity would come, if I needed something to manifest it often did. I experienced healings and guidance also. I meditated after praying which I imagine facilitated my response to the listening. Many years later I was walking with a friend through the parking lot toward the beach. The most beautiful experience occurred. All of a sudden the sounds of the beach went to the background of my experience and Silence came to the foreground. It didn’t last long. It changed everything for me. All I wanted after that was to live in that experience. Now I do.
Silence is All. It is the residence of God. It is the center of the Universe. It is where Omniscience, all the information that is, can be accessed. Silence is far from being a void. It is the fullness of the Mystery. Whether one dwells in the silence, Silence is already present. When one leaves the multitude of stories in the mind and enters the Silence, stability and peace exists. We think the world is where we will find entertainment and fulfillment but Silence is the True fulfillment. When I am in Silence I can feel it in every part of my being. Silence is an experience of aliveness that is, in fact, Aliveness Itself.
Silence is a decision my little I makes to dwell in the I Am. It is a shift in attention.
My advice is to practice turning toward Silence. Meditate while listening for the Silence. Ask Silence to reveal Itself. Silence has nothing to do with sound and can be attained amongst the noise. Silence is Absolute peace.
Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10
‘Beneath the Waves’, 48”x36” oil on panel, Available Art by Katherine Treffinger www.katherinetreffinger.com