Silence: Words + Portals
What a gift it is when another human describes inner experiences with granularity. In this collection, there are words about silence—and portals to enter.
Pick one to go down today, and come back when you’re ready for more.
Portals:
Chad Glazener found words to describe the vibrancy of silence in this video podcast episode: Making Art From Your Heart Space. I’ve bookmarked the words so you can drop right in. If it stirs something, watch the whole episode. (I love the sign on the bookshelf behind him!)
“Sweet Darkness” — a poem written and read by David Whyte
A poetry film by Charlotte Ager & Katy Wang featuring Wendell Berry reading “The Peace of Wild Things”
Henry Schoenfield offers a way into the grounding spiritual practice of sacred chant. The words of this particular chant are simply: “When silence turns to presence, in silence, there is presence.”
Silence: The Mystery of Wholeness — Robert Sardello describes vivid worlds nesting within silence
Dr. Chris Morris’ crystalline presence is energetically preserved in this audio artifact: “Christ in the Torn Places,” recorded just three months before he died unexpectedly in 2024. Here, he speaks about the connection between silence and justice work, participatory wisdom, trauma, and a spacious way to see the work of transformation: the capacity to bear.
Salt of the Earth — a short film by my friend Adam Thom, featuring Thomas Merton in his own voice. Watch for scenes from Adam’s visit to our little island with our beloved friend Ryan, whose earthly vibrancy came to an unexpected end in 2024.
A Quick Word From Kirsten…
These reflections and practices are written by a human artist and spiritual director. They are joyfully and freely given.
If this article nourished you, here are two small ways to help keep the work going:
Share this post with a friend (or link to it in your newsletter/blog)
Leave a tip via Buy Me A Coffee
