Religion & Spirituality
During this Lenten season, Fr. Ruff takes some time to explain the importance of silence in our spiritual lives. In an ever-busying world, we are reminded of the value and scarcity of silence. Perhaps we can make silence a part of our spiritual practices this Lent. Show Notes:Noise PollutionWhisper of the Wild by Kim Tingley (NYT) In Pennsylvania, a Quick Shot of Peace, on a Budget by Susan Gregory Thomas (NYT)What Works: Enjoy the Silence by Phil Fox RoseThe Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything: A Spirituality for Real Life by Fr. Jim MartinGreen Country Town (William Penn) Key Quotes:“The paradox with meditation and other forms of silent prayer, and especially with silent retreats, is that even though they are formless and goalless, they achieve something wonderful — something potentially transformative: they create space, physical and mental space, to become more open.” – Phil Fox Rose“’We may fear silence because we fear what we might hear from the deepest parts of ourselves. We may be afraid to hear that ‘still small’ voice. What might it say?Might it ask us to change?’ This is the great power and the great challenge of silence: it can reveal truth. Or more accurately, it takes away our ability to run from Truth.” – Phil Fox Rose quoting Fr. Jim Martin“…Find more opportunities to bring silence into your routine. (Or should I say, to remove noise from your routine.) I have absolutely nothing against technology. I spent half my career writing about it or developing it. I myself have an iPod, iPhone, iPad, cable TV and high-speed internet. This is not about avoiding technology. It’s about choosing how you use it.As Jon M. Sweeney says in his delightful book about monastic life and retreats, Cloister Talks:It’s not that it’s wrong to live a busy, secular life (I certainly do), but you’re supposed to have more than that, and the more than that is supposed to eventually take prominence.So I make sure there’s room for the “more than that” — which often involves silence in betweenthings…” – Phil Fox Rose“…and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” – John 8:32“All is seared with trade, bleared and smeared with toil, and wears man’s smudge, and wears man’s smell” – Gerard Manly HopkinsConnect with Fr. Ruff:Please send your comments, questions, and feedback to rufflyspeakingpodcast@gmail.com. We would greatly appreciate any thoughts you have about this podcast project!