2025 - Week 17 - Silence

Why Struggle? Podcast w Barbara J. Faison

All the Links: LINKTR.EE/BARBARAFAISON

If you're new to the podcast, welcome, and if you listen regularly, thank you.

This is a podcast about silence.

April is national poetry month.
As I was enjoying some moments of silence, I remembered I had written a poem about it. I hope you enjoy it!
Silence
Silence is the language of God. The Universe, The Creator.
Be still and listen.
Be still and know.
Be still and trust.
Silence holds all the answers.
Silence holds all that you can trust.
Silence is waiting for you.
Will you answer the call?
That is my contribution to national poetry month. I have a feeling I may be reconnecting with the poet in me soon though.
The world is filled with so much noise and so many sounds. I find myself craving more and more silence every day.
A few minutes of silence as a daily practice can reduce stress as we calm our minds and thoughts from a hectic day. Simply take a few minutes before you start your day in line in bed and observe what you hear, how you feel and what you sent check in with yourself and your body before you start the day.
I've recently consciously decided not to use my smart phone for at least 10 to 15 minutes after I wake up to allow my mind, body and spirit to wake up and listen for guidance. When possible I also enjoy the silence of the house without the television or music. Being silent for periods of time will give you a new appreciation for the power of spoken words and sounds.
It took me years to truly understand how powerful silence can be. Now, I relish, crave, and look for ways to immerse myself in silence. Like much of life, learning to be silent is a practice. Regular meditation has helped me become as comfortable with silence as I am with speaking.
Silence can be deafening if you're unfamiliar with it sound. Silence can scare you if you're unaware of its value. Silence can be your friend, if you embrace it.
So let's take a few minutes to just be with the silence.
I'll lead you in a guided silence, practice, and will be in silence for two minutes.
As long as you're not driving, or operating heavy equipment, lol feel free to join me.
We'll settle into the practice by connecting with a few of your senses.
Take a look around you and notice what you see in front of you, and around you. Breathe at your own pace, rate and rhythm. And notice, what do you see?
Next, allow your eyes to close or lower to lessen any external distractions. Continue breathing at your own pace, rate and rhythm, and notice the sounds around you. What do you hear right now?
Beautiful. Now give yourself permission to just be. To allow yourself to be here now. And breathe.
I'll leave you to sit alone in the silence for two minutes and I'll return before you know it.
It's time to return. Before you open your eyes again, just check in with your body and notice how you feel in this moment, right now. If you can name that feeling say it out loud.
Lovely, open your eyes. And bring a big smile to your face. You just did a two minute slice of silence. You sat with your breath and your body in the silence. Pat yourself on the back.