Today’s author is Prince of Peace’s Minister of Family Fun, Faith Formation, and Community Engagement, Alyssa Herrig.
I have always enjoyed sitting in silence.
When I worked as a CYF director in Jackson, I would come home from my long Wednesday of programs and sit on my couch for an indeterminate amount of time-usually until I summoned enough energy to stand. I found comfort in the silence that surrounded me in my house. It gave me time to organize my thoughts and relax.
The youth I worked with in Jackson lived busy lives between school, extracurricular activities and being at church. I started doing an occasional guided meditation practice with my high school youth group to see if the silence was beneficial for them as well. The first few times were awkward, but as they got more comfortable, they came to find it a favorite practice amongst the activities we did. After the meditation ended, we would discuss what happened for them during that time. It was interesting to hear their responses. Some obviously snoozed while others said it gave them space to clear their heads from the day or they were able to think through hard decisions.
I know my brain gets caught up in the busyness and hustle of life. I find in those moments of silence that I am allowing my anxious brain a chance to be at peace and to allow for God to intercede. It is still important for me to give children and youth time to rest. As an adult, this practice is a good reminder that rest is holy and sometimes God meets us in the silence.