Silence, A Meditation Experience
73At some point, in the course of the sitting, I lost myself and all perspective of that which I am, or imagined myself to be, within the Black Silence that enveloped me.
“Whssss,” Darkness whispered.
Can Silence speak?
I was alone. Suddenly an image of a very long rope came into my mind, one end attached to my belly. Visually, I followed the line to where it ended. It connected to the man I had left months earlier. We were still in phone contact, but this was no telephone line.
With clarity the rope became an umbilical cord. I was still attached to him in the symbiotic way a mother and her baby were connected. We had never really disconnected. Is this what I wanted? Was I ready to give it all up? Did I even know what I wanted?
In a flash of an instant the decision was taken from me and I found myself alone in a room no larger than an oversized box. No one was around. No sounds. Not even from my own throat. I could not speak because there were no words. This was a place before all words or sounds. This was Silence.
The cord had been disengaged from ‘other’. Like helium escaping from a balloon, I felt a deflation in my body, my lungs, and my mind. I scrambled to regain my equilibrium, but felt overcome by frenzy.
As I observed myself struggling with the emptiness, Silence was suffocating. No thoughts-nothing to think about…nothing to do. Just Black Space filling everything inside and out.
My mind began to reel with the reality of this Truth.
“What to do?” I asked frantically.
“Nothing,” was Silence’s reply.
“Where am I?”
The mind has a need to know, a need to take control and make sense out of the experience, familiar or not.
There was no reply this time, just Silence being silent.
My mind fought to find some direction, but there was none to be found. Not a thing. No someone. No sound.
Silence.
When does the mind bend from sanity to beyond? When it has no point of reference…no reflection and no ‘other’ to mirror itself against. This is the void…the abyss. This is the Silence of Eternal Darkness-infinity and beyond.
This Eternal Silence is waiting for each of us. Some meet it in death; some experience it in medical emergencies; others have mental breakdowns.
I sit quietly and attentively. Through my daily meditation practice I willingly face the cosmic Silence that enfolds ‘me’ in this lifetime and all of eternity.
Allowing for the void I am led to a different Silence. It is the Silence of surrender and serenity. Now, the mind relaxes and ‘I’ am merged with golden warmth enveloping the image of the body. It is quiet.
With awareness present I notice a movement; a vibrancy that is an undercurrent of energy. Staying focused I hear a soft hum, like a current running through telephone lines. There is a dynamism that I would have missed had I not stayed astute. There is awareness that the observations are not from the ordinary mind, but a deeper, Divine Intelligence. There is awareness of the body, still and unmoving in the chair. There is awareness of the silence that is filled with a life flow. There is awareness that “I” am experiencing the connection with the cosmic reality of the Universe. This is the essence of my Being; my spiritual connection with all. I am that and that is I; all one-no separation.
The golden warmth continues. It is the purity of Divine Love and I am wrapped up in its sweet nectar as it enfolds me. Tears of gratitude and joy trickle down my cheeks in realization for the blessings received.
My heart is full.
Note: Originally written January 6, 2008; this piece was in response to a writing prompt taken from Monica Wood’s The Pocket Muse. Answering the prompt, ‘write about a noise-or a silence that won’t go away’, it was an easy exercise. My inner journey, which started many years ago, is a continuous process of experiencing the deeper silence within. In the spiritual work of soul development with The Diamond Approach and Hameed Ali, I am humbled by Grace, which has touched my life, healed my pain, and connected me with the Divine Source of all that is. To each of you on your own individual journeys in this life stream, I give you my sincere respect. It is a beautiful and perilous journey that is not to be taken lightly. Namaste. May the light shine within all of us.
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Can silence means darkness or just an interpretation of being numb about all the noises in the world? This is a beautiful hub, Denise!
^-^ Ireno
This was fantastic! The darkness is an old friend............. it was quiet and comforting, but definitely not a forever place. The sun still shines; I hope that within the last few years you've been able to find it! Kaie
Denise, I had asked my mate, "can one hear the silence?" and before he responded I said "yes!", and here you are sharing a hub about the silence which is a void, the one we return to. Perfect timing! This is a beautiful sharing, one that inspires.
Rated up!
Bbutterfly-we can talk more soon. I'm heading into town over Halloween w/e. :) (where is your image? :) )
Travel (Ireno) Thank you for the compliment. I'm glad you enjoyed this. Silence is the nothingness ... I suppose a 'place' of sorts. It is void of noises from the outside world, however, as you read in the hub, within the place of nothingness there is still sound and movement. It is something to be experienced.
Kaie-Indeed, as you read from the hub, this is a real experience. It is something that I've been experiencing as part of my meditation practice on a regular basis.
Marie-Thank you so much for reading and commenting. It is sometimes too difficult to put into words, and yet, I was blessed that the words came to describe it. Yes, amazing how synchronicity plays a part in connecting with our lives and reading something or seeing something somewhere that offers validation.
Kaie-I just re-read your comments. I think I misunderstood some of it. So, YES to the last part. I am experiencing the sunshine too, LOL. Thanks for your connection.
You come away with an inner glow just from the pictures! You know those buttons go up! Very nice!
Denise, I scared when I was reading your hub since I was alone at home. Anyway it is a great hub and I really enjoyed. I voted up. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Denise,
This was beautiful and felt very intimate, as if I were inside your mind during the meditation. And the pictures helped set the mood. Thanks so much for sharing. I love meditation and soul work. It helps keep one sane, joyful and connected.
I found this very enjoyable and beautiful, one of the better hubs I've read in a long time. I've noticed that as I try to stay enlightened and prayerful, life often gets in the way. this is very nice, I like meditation and even self hypnosis which I find as a positive self affirmation. Funny how sometimes our own hubs often inspire us the most, for they come from us.
Thanks!
Hello Denise, This so interesting , what gets me is the "noise that won't go away", I have never "meditated" But I am a believer in the peace within the mind. I must look into this more . My past ,in life , was one of a great discontent and anxst although I'm fine now . Great hub. Gets my vote. Thank you.
really great hub, schoolgirl recommended it in the forum, loved the pictures and everything about it.
I've been traveling today so was unable to respond earlier to comments posted here.
@ Micky - Thank you for your comments. Sweet. and the vote up. :)
@ Neverletitgo--Oh, oh...didn't mean to frighten you. I hope not too badly. Thanks for your vote up.
@ HBN--yes, sanity through meditation...Peace through meditation. It's a blessing.
@Schoolgirl--I'm glad you found this hub so beneficial. Enlightenment is a slippery thing isn't it. Keep up the meditation for it brings many unexpected benefits. Thanks for recommending this hub. I was just made aware of that. You're kind.
@Ahorseback-So nice to see you here again. Thanks for reading the hub and commenting. Please let me know if you do meditate and how it goes for you. I'm interested.
@dawnM-thank you for your compliment. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Nice to meet you.
Denise , No ,I do not meditate in the "professional" sense My meditation would look like autism to most . I can be found staring at clouds or trees swaying in the winds , But my serenity always comes from a walk in nature. The dogs running ahead in the fields and a smile on our faces ,I must have my fix thouugh , without it I'm a wreck. stay well , you write so nicely.
ahorseback--thank you for the compliment. Yes, the walk in nature-a walking meditation. :)
Hi Denise, this was very deep and profound...and I can see it evoked a lot of different reactions :) But I too believe in the beauty of silence as well...but when one is restless it can be deafening. LOL Thank you for this hub that makes us ponder where we are in our silence. I hope like you I continue to experience the fullness of the heart. Blessings... :)
Thanks Michelle. Blessings as well to you. :)
..well you will not get 'silence' from me on this one - are you ready???? wowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!!!!!
I reside by the Lake (Erie) and about 100 feet away from it ..... and I literally live for the silence - but of course yin and yang is very prevalent in my life - and there is incredibly loud music playing right now in the background - lol lol - don't forget I live out in the country - lol lol - but what a lovely feeling to have this choice - because many people don't have this option.
Thanks for your wonderful comments on my writing too - but I must say that SILENCE - was not only a meditation experience but a profound and inventive one as well from a very creative and unique mind - why that's you - of course!!!!!!
Thanks Epi, for your comments and WOW! That was some wow, LOL Thanks for reading the hub. I always look forward to your input. :)
Denise, it is so hard to find that inner silence. Wonderful and uplifting :D
Yes, I agree, RedElf. In this LOUD and busy society of ours it is often considered 'odd' to sit and be still or quiet. Thanks for stopping in to read this hub.
I agree, I do find it odd to be silent in our society but this is very cool.
Hi Rafi. Thanks for stopping by, reading the hub and leaving your comment. I wish you much joy and adventure writing your hubs. At the top menu of the hub, where it says 'edit' is a button to click if you are interested in linking it with other people's hubs. That way you can support other peoples writing as well. :)
Denise! I received your comment, however I did not receive your email? Thank you :)Also, I like this hub! I meditate, and do breathing exercises almost everyday.. I swear by Bodhipaska! -D
Congratulations on a very well written article.
I guess GOD gave us the gift of hearing just to "mask" the silence of the universe! What do you think?
Cheers!
Good morning. Thanks for reading this hub and commenting.
@Donkey--I'm sorry that you did not receive my email. I sent it through the hub to your profile "contact Donkeyz1" which should have linked you to your regular email. Perhaps it went into the 'junk' mail? or you may have deleted it not being familiar with the sender?
I left you several 'tips' that, in my opinion, may be beneficial regarding the question you asked in the forum. What would you like me to do-resend it or comment on one of your hubs directly?
Re: your meditation/ breath work--do you find this beneficial? :)
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@ QS--thank you for your 'congrats'. I appreciate that.
What do I think? I think you're on to something. Very good point and one I will ponder. :) Nice chatting with you.
I love this piece.... it's very well done, and speaks from the heart of experience. it's simple, and beautiful !
CM-thank you for your thoughts on this hub. It was an interesting challenge to put into words the experience. But, that is the challenge every writer faces, isn't it?
Great Hub. A deeply persdonnal experience well shared.
Thanks Tony. I'm looking forward to reading more of your work. :)
My meditation and 'alt. breathing' work is AWESOME. You should check B.P. out if you are into that! Thank you for your emails. I have read them, but cannot respond from them. I will send you an email from my secondary account. Thank you!
Take care.
-D
@ Donkey-thanks for the contact. I'll watch for it.
thought provoking hub, it was wonderfully written. thanks and voted up
Thank you, Saleheen. And, thank you for voting it up.
Sometimes with all the hurry and the blurry of things and people around us, we yearn even just for one moment of silence. It is an indulgence I always wanted to have after a day of tiring tasks and errands.
Thanks, PaperNotes, for reading this hub and commenting. If you desire it, make it happen. I start and end my day with those moments of silence. A moment is the beginning ...
Denise, what a lovely experience, thank you for sharing this. I often tell people I counsel that sometimes we must go into the silence to listen to the voice of our soul. Beautifully written hub, thanks.
Hello Phyllis, thank you for your comments. Nice meeting you. I've read your profile. It appears we have many similar interests. I've left poetry on some of my other hub work, i.e. Soul Work: JOY and Simplicity of Being, along with 'Whispers', which is all poetry if interested. I'll be following your work and contacting you soon. Enjoy the weekend.
That was intense, Ms. Denise. Powerful writing! Thanks for sharing with us.
Kim, the experience was intense...but, it always ends up with a place of love. Thank you for reading and commenting.
I loved this so much,thanks.
Hello DH-it's been 3 months since we last connected, sad to say. Thanks for stopping by to read and comment. I'm glad you enjoyed it. The experience was worth writing about. :)
Awesome stuff!
I meditate often blocking out all noise and listening to me.
Filling myself with that stillness and peace,growing stronger from it and moving on.
Thanks for sharing Denise,Blessings!
Hi Str8up, Thanks for taking the time to read this and commenting. Meditation is part of my spiritual practice. Nice to meet up with you again. Blessings to you.
You described your meditation experiences very eloquently. I’ve tried sitting meditation, but I need to be more consistent in my practice. It’s often hard to find a quiet area in a house full of people and pets, but I’m going to try.
AliciaC-nice to meet you. Yes, it takes practice and some self discipline to sit in meditation. It isn't easy with a full house that is noisy and active. Best to begin in the quiet moments early morning or when all others are away and you are not pressed for time. Or, take yourself to a quiet place that you enjoy being in-whether it is nature or church. It only takes 10 min per day to begin to quiet the mind. Good luck to you.
This is very beautiful, I voted it up. I have tried to meditate, but have not been very successful. It seems that I am not able to stop the constant chatter of thoughts in my head, I wish I learn how to do that. I always think that I have to have some kind of special mantra or something.
I will start doing what you recommend in the comment above with just simple 10 min. a day, it does not have to be a full 1 hour meditation after all :)
Hi Angela, it is indeed, difficult to stop that mind monkey that chatters away at us just when we want it to be still. However, it is something that is beneficial from a health perspective-it calms and relaxes. It brings more peace and compassion. Start with even 5 min of silence and allow yourself to be aware of the distractions that pop up-thoughts of having to do something else for example, then breathe from the belly, shift yourself in your seat so you are sitting upright and resume the quiet. Continue practicing the art of stillness and it will happen. Good luck.
A transcedent piece of work! For some of us who have trouble quieting the mind and stopping the inner dialogue during meditation, I would like to suggest that "diaphragmatic breathing" be practiced. It is the one element that helps to clear the mind. I am in the process of writing a hub on how to breathe. Anyone can learn the "belly breath", as you have mentioned in your comment above. I will be linking to this tremenous hub. And Epi must be using belly breath to sustain such a very long Wowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww! :-)
Oh, that is funny, LOL Yes, I'd forgotten about his 'wow'.
Thank you for considering linking your upcoming hub. I was touched by your message in the 'fan mail' thank you. I will be sure to read your hub when it gets posted. I'm sure you know much about the breath work necessary for singing.
Thanks for your comments.
Thanks for have brought me in your journey. You have described very well the powerfull of Silence and from your words you understand the important to looking for the silence: a way to communicate with ourself.
Great Hub, very well written.
Thank you. I'm glad you read it. After reading yours I knew we were talking about a very similar experience and understanding of the power of silence.
I thank you for writing this. I totally needed to read it in that I'm in a place of moving on, transformation, rebirth and pondering the idea of the umbilical chord really speaks to me. Thx you!
You are most welcome. This hub will resonate for those who need it in that way. It is an amazing process, this transformation we go through...an ever deepening one. Namaste. I enjoy your hubs as well.
Denise, you are a mystic. Also, a true poet. People have a lot to learn from the likes of you.
Tom.
Thank you for reading the hub, Tom. Your kind comments are touching. I am pleased to follow you and read your work.
Correct me if I am wrong, but in this piece you are dealing with two types of silence with very different effects. In the first you describe something somewhat oppressive. Something that drains your sense of self. In the other, there is a sense of filling and understanding.
It's funny, but the last hub I posted (The Final Sum of All My Wandering Reason) deals with this idea of oppressive versus welcoming silence. That is, if I have a correct understanding of what you are communicating here. Now that I think of it, another hub I have been working on has some of these same ideas as well, though I hadn't noticed until now. I guess it's a pretty universal question.
This is very well written, indeed. Though I do have to add that, as a Christian, I can't really get behind the ideas of mysticism that you seem to be exploring here. Specifically the vague concept of Divine Intelligence. While I do explore some of these same thoughts, it is in the context of God's purpose, providence, and wisdom. I say that not to challenge your beliefs, only to make sure it is understood what I believe.
Again, well done here. It is cool to see some of the same things I think a lot about explored in another context.
Hi Michael, first, let me say thank you for reading the hub. Second-this is a recount of my experience and like a dream, these events that occur in an experience are not what I create from my mind...it is what I actually experienced during my meditation on this particular day.
God is Divine Intelligence, is it not? God is all knowing, God is Divine, therefore the Divine Intelligence that I write about here and the God that I was raised knowing and that you know are one and the same. It is like having a synonym for a word.
Third, don't misunderstand mysticism. It is 'mystery' which is all part of the mystery of life and of the all knowing God. It is not part of a magical phenomenon or satanism (and I don't mean to imply that is what your statements are referencing). I say this in hopes that you will connect with your own mysticism which I detect in your work.
In this piece, there was a beginning 'fear' that was experienced and the fear brought out a visual--all of the things I described. But, it is all part of the mind creating illusions. The end result is that by becoming aware of deeper truth and reality there is a return to 'home' which is benevolent love and peace. That is what we all are-it is all part of the Divine and we are part of that as well, manifested as individuals.
Thanks again for visiting the site and leaving such thoughtful feedback. I always enjoy a good discussion. LOL
He is divine intelligence, yes. Though your use of the word "it" suggests you may be referring to Him as a being that does not exist outside of human consciousness. Omniscience is simply a characteristic of God, not God itself.
But yes, I am very intrigued by mystery and the depth of the unsearchable. It is one of the defining characteristics of God.
"Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known." Jeremiah 33:3
"Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! 'Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?' For from him and through him and for him are all things." Romans 11:33-36
There are things we can never know and things we can only know once He reveals them to us. Too many people think they have everything figured out. There are things that I am certain of, though. God is good, He loves me, He wants me to love Him and help bring others into a relationship with Him.
I can wonder and search, but ultimately it is He who reveals. No amount of my own intellect and searching will reveal the deep truths of God, though in the process I often find out more about myself.
I have a hard time talking about these kinds of things in posts like this, because you really need conversation for each person to really see where the other is coming from.
We may differ, we may not, it's hard to tell when you can't have a real conversation with someone. But the important thing is that we never stop striving to better understand what we believe and why we believe it.
I think you and I have some interesting discussions in our future, Denise :)
It is wonderful to have an intimate relationship with a benevolent father. Many people do not have this and fear God.
My experience of God is one of intimacy and trust. But, my God is not an external factor sitting over yonder or on a heavenly throne. My God is the God of all things and the Creator of all; Divine Intelligence, Divine Grace, Divine Love...
I do agree-we can have some lively discussions, Michael, that's for sure. LOL
Wow Denise, you've described a wonderful experience with an awesome realization. Thanks for directing me to this hub.
I'm glad you found it helpful, Dyhannah. I wish you much love on your journey.
Denise: Back in the 17th century, Blaise Pascal wrote, "All of man's troubles come from his inability to sit alone, quietly, in a room, for any length of time." It is fear which underlies this inability. It takes courage to face fear, but, as Robert Frost observed, "The best way out is always through," and you did that in this meditation. Christianity seems to prefer the word contemplation for this experience with the unifying silence. Whether it's called that or meditation, the journey is essentially the same.
Thank you for sharing this journey, which dissipated one of my fears as I read it.
All the votes except funny. :-)
Stessily-thank you for your thoughtful comments. I'm glad to read that this hub assisted you in some way. Thanks for the votes.
You have composed the sound of silence, you show the color of silence. This is profound and meaningful.
Vinya-thank you so much for your feedback. This means a lot to me coming from you. I appreciate you reading this.
You have tried well to express a real experience of silence, and yet silence has to be gently heard. If we only knew how to speak in ways which yield tranquility, the world would be a better place.
When one enters a void of silence for the first time there is no gentleness. The mind resists and rebels. It is the ego's role, so to speak, to survive. Silence obliterates the ego's role and if one is not astute, the fear of annihilation creates a defense from experiencing the beauty, peace, and calm of silence.
The deepening of this experience has allowed me to enter into that which is silent and present always, if we stop to listen and observe.
Thank you for reading and commenting. Your photography is amazing, as is your writing. I appreciate your link to your other work.
Truly an awesome experience. Ah what silence can do to one ready to receive and give. Grateful for meeting you here. Blessings:)
Daisy-I'm honored that you've taken time from your busy and full schedule to meet me in Silence. I love your Silence Series poetry. It is in Silence that meeting of Self can occur most easily.
I'm fascinated with the creative work you do with your drama group. I'm also inspired by the work that you and Michelle do here on HP, with your Abundance link, and in your school. Truly two wonderful examples for others to follow.
I have written other soul series work: prose and poetry...if you get another 'break' :) feel free to explore.
Many blessings, to you. On an aside-your name resonates with me. It is my flower-the one that I've held in my heart and connected with since long ago.
When doing meditation try to relax. It is important that you switch off from all thoughts when you are meditating. As you sit down and start meditating, remind yourself that you will not think about anything for the next few minutes. Relax your muscles slowly. Imagine your body tension slowly draining away.
Thanks for stopping by meditateproperly. I'm glad you found the hub useful. :)
The phrase, "silence is golden," seems apt for this piece.
Thanks for sharing your personal journey. I too have stood on the threshold of darkness, bathed in the silence of the deep.
It is a comfort, at times to shed the cords of attachment to bring the clarity of self.
Well done hub.
That's true, Tony. Thanks for reading and commenting. :) Seems we have much in common.
bbutterfly 19 months ago
Denise for me this one is at one time interesting, scary and awsome.