Beyond The Wall

Silent Spaces

By Charles “Tom” Brown

Copyright 2006

How muted the voice of nature is on this barren prison yard. Her gentle voice has been shoved back beyond the horizon, beyond the pervasive gray buildings and the razor-wire fence. No soft and gentle rustle of the breeze here. No dancing little streams. No leaves swishing in the wind. And my spirit yearns for it.

When the stars are the only remnants of nature for me to gaze upon, only by being observant can I find the deeper silence. The natural silence of nature always resonates in the quiet spaces within me. It constantly calls to me and creates a hunger within that nothing else will satisfy. It’s the beauty of a star filled night. It’s the hush of dawn, the quiet peace of a rainbow.

In trying to find silence in my surroundings here, I find that it is not found in doing. Silence is being. I must let go of all activity. I can read about it and write about it. I can honor it in many ways, but until I enter into it, I will never experience its healing presence, nor will I know the transforming difference it can make in my life. This deep inner stillness has no expectations, nor does it make any demands.

Since our minds are often agitated, this silence is not always easy to find. The mind is accustomed to constant activity. We must develop a taste for silence, an appreciation for it. It is here that we begin to understand that we are a part of all that is. It is here that the rhythm of life, the breathing in and out of the cosmos, resonates deeply within us. When we need to reconnect with ourselves and with our Source, it is in the stillness that it happens.

Finding the silence is a choice we must make of ourselves. There are so many things crying out for our attention. At a certain point, we say to the noise that surrounds us, “I am ready. I will stop and be wholly attentive. I will empty myself and wait.” Then I will know that I have touched something deep, something even deeper than deep. All because I was still; truly still.

6-5-2006

Over the weekend I did a little “house cleaning”. Since my possessions are pretty much down to four boxes, this really isn’t a big deal. In digging into my files, though, I found something that I’d like to share with you. Its an ancient Taoist meditation.

I close my eyes and see clearly…

I stop trying to listen and hear the truth…

I am silent and my heart sings…

I seek no contact and find union…

I am still and move forward…

I am gentle and need no strength…

I am humble and remain whole…

That says a lot, doesn’t it? There are many levels of truth there.

You and I like to play with words, so I thought you would enjoy some old phrases that I’ve been going over. These are phrases that I heard my parents and grandparents say. With the passing of time, many old phrases become obsolete and even disappear. This is unfortunate because some of them are very appropriate and humorous. Here are some that I remember hearing. I’m sure you can add to this list.

“A bone to pick” (Someone who wants to discuss a disagreement)

“An axe to grind (Someone who has a hidden motive)

“Cattywampus (Something that sits crooked)

“Feather in your cap” (To accomplish a goal)

“Hold your horses” (To be patient)

“Kit and caboodle” (The whole thing)

“Madder than an old wet hen” (Really angry)

“No spring chicken” (Not young anymore)

“Persnickety” (Overly particular)

“Pert-near” (Short of pretty near. I heard this a lot in Southern Ohio where I grew up)

“Scalawag” (A rascal)

“Scarce as hen’s teeth” (Something difficult to obtain)

“Skedaddle” (Get out of here quickly)

“Straight from the horse’s mouth” (Privileged information from the one concerned)

“Tie the knot” (To get married)

“Too many irons in the fire” (To be involved in too many things)

“Tuckered out” (Tired and all worn out)

“Under the weather” (Not feeling well)

So, if you will hold your horses, I reckon I can get this whole kit and caboodle done and sent off to you. Please don’t get too persnickety and get a bee in your bonnet or bats in your belfry because I’ve been pretty tuckered out lately. After all, I’m no spring chicken. I might be barking up the wrong tree, but I have tried to give this letter more than just a lick and a promise. I’ve pert-near run out of words, so I’ll now skedaddle out of here!

In spite of all the nonsense, here’s wishing you a beautiful day!