I am spending some time this week at the Abbey of the Genesee. Although I will be in community with others, my voice will be silent for several days.

Without the interference of my own tongue the space within is more capable of listening to God. All sensation is heightened.

The movement of the breeze,

the radiant heat of sunshine,

the sight of raindrops or dew crystals, the flutter of bird wings,

the rustling of dry leaves,

the feeling of warm socks on cold feet

the fragrance of basil, the taste of whole grains, the beat of my heart.

Silence clarifies the perception of what is really, really going on in any given moment. It heightens the experience of awe, of gratitude and of receptivity to God's presence...which is Love literally saturating existence.