We usually recognize a beginning. Endings are more difficult to detect. Most often, they are realized only after reflection. Silence. We are seldom conscious when silence begins-it is only afterward that we realize what we have been a part of. In the night journeys of Canada geese, it is the silence that propels them. Thomas Merton writes, Silence is the strength of our interior life.… If we fill our lives with silence, then we will live in hope.
Beginnings are easily identifiable, but endings often go unnoticed until we look back in contemplation. The experience of silence is subtle; we typically do not acknowledge its onset until we have passed through it. Silence, particularly in nature, such as in the migratory flights of Canada geese, plays a vital role. It is this quietness that drives them forward, showing how powerful silence can be in our lives and journeys.
Thomas Merton articulates that silence is integral to nurturing our inner selves. By embracing silence in our daily lives, we can cultivate hope and resilience. Terry Tempest Williams’ book, "Refuge," explores this idea further, emphasizing the significance of silence in making sense of our experiences and fostering a deeper connection with our surroundings.
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