03.05 Silence, Solitude & the Contemplative Life
In the spaces of silence, solitude and contemplation, we find an invitation to know God and to know ourselves. We desire to place our true selves before God’s true Self.
In Our Way of Life
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We seek silence because we want to hear from God apart from the noise around us and often within us. A regular practice of entering into silence and stillness helps us separate from distractions and from the many voices in our lives so that we can discern the still, small voice of God.
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We seek solitude because we know that we’re attached to so much—things and people. In solitude, we can examine our longings when these things aren’t present, to uncover our attachments and allow God to reorder our desires in ways that bring us freedom for greater life and service.
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We seek a contemplative life because we want to share spaces of deep intimacy with God—without action, even without words. Contemplation brings the whole of our attention onto God and waits with complete openness. When this way of being with God invades our daily lives, then our work, our relationships and our mundane activities become prayerful, holy listening.
- What is God saying to me when I'm silent?
- What do I think about when everything is quiet?
- What can I notice going on inside of me when I'm alone?
- Who am I with when I feel most alive to God?
We want to accompany you in noticing and nurturing invitations to a contemplative life.
Learn about our postulancy cohorts, which walk you through the common commitments of our rule of life, as a shared way of life in community.