“The silence serves as a colander, helping me discern what I need to hold on to and allowing what I don’t need to fall gently away, making space to access courage and creativity, quieting to hear the voice of God.”- Emily P. Freeman
Emily P. Freeman concludes Chapter 2 of The Next Right Thing as she asserts that our soul receives frequent input, but with infrequent output. As a result, in a cluttered soul the complex and awe-inspiring easily morphs into something complicated and exhausting. However, we must do more that simply declutter. We need to extend ourselves and de-own.
Therefore, when you carry an unmade decision, it’s crucial to find a way to push back life’s distractions. In turn, that allows some nothing space to fill life’s in-between moments. Emily exhorts:
“As you embrace your own version of becoming a soul minimalist, I hope you’ll receive the wisdom to begin to give up what you no longer need. . . . I hope you’ll embrace a willingness to face the silence within and not worry so much what you may or may not hear. I hope you’ll be willing to create a little space for your soul to breathe so you can discern your next right thing in love.”
In conclusion, Mrs. Freeman observes, it’s typical and common to ignore our low-grade anxiety. Because we believe its just a normal part of daily life. Yet, in the midst of a distracted life, silence is really quite accessible. Hence, Emily exhorts, take notice of the naturally silent spaces in your days. Rather than filling those times with sound, instead allow yourself quiet time inside the silence. See if Jesus has something to say to you.
Today’s question: How do you use the silence colander to declutter your soul? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: the June Short Meditation, “Hear the music – don’t just read the notes”
