Anjum Ali
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Stillness is the altar of Spirit. Where motion ceases, Spirit begins to manifest. —Paramahansa Yogananda

Whether you're transitioning from a tumultuous year or simply navigating a regular day, carving out moments of silence can be a powerful exercise for your soul. It's a way to escape the noise that surrounds us and look inward toward something more profound, even divine. As we embark on 2021, it’s crucial to remember the significance and potency of stepping away from our screens, our never-ending to-do lists, the constant news updates, and other distractions.

What you need, what we all need, is silence. Stop the noise in your mind for the wondrous sounds of life to be heard. Then, you can begin to live your life authentically and deeply. —Thích Nhat Hanh

Stillness and silence are important practices for sacred growth across religions. They allow for inner listening, creating space and possibility, and the conditions to hear the voice of the divine.

In the video below from our “Spirituality & Community” series, Anjum Ali, a consultant on international and Islamic affairs, reflects on how she connects with the divine in the silence after prayer. “It’s quite a moving and profound experience to sit silently and to actually be able to hear another voice give you another idea,” she says.

Solitude and silence teach me to love my brothers and sisters for what they are, not for what they say. —Thomas Merton

Whether you take momentary breaks from the busyness of your day or go for longer stretches, how might you create opportunities for silence and stillness? What practices welcome stillness and silence for you?

If you'd like to share, leave a comment telling us about your own sacred practice and/or what you hear or experience when you sit in silence.