A Quieter Journey 

A few years ago I ran several new events to broaden the appeal of a retreat center to those who have not yet experienced a retreat. I know most of you reading these reflections have attended a retreat, and therefore know all too well the benefits. 

One part of attending a retreat, particularly a silent one, is quieting down to listen. It is a fact we take information when we are listening more than when we are talking. The incessant chatter which fills up many of our days makes us desire for something softer, gentler, and less noisy in our lives. A retreat offers just such an opportunity. 

Now that we are back from the retreat, how do we bring ourselves back to this quieter time? Sometimes, as we observe others talking, even jabbering, we find it irritating, others have to fill the silence with sounds that have no meaning, or at least to us. 

While some of this might be put down to our own intolerance, there is another aspect to this. The Holy Longing for meaningful interactions with others, particularly when a sculpted message has been prepared for us. 

Where are these sculpted messages in your week? The Pastor’s homily perhaps, in a prayer encounter during the week, something profound someone said to you? Our ability to listen carefully is not just a skill, but a prayer form in itself. 

I use the example reflection of The Sound Man which follows. The importance of ensuring the message is clear, unencumbered by irrelevant sounds and broadcast so we can hear it without being distracted. Let us listen this coming week for those moments where our senses were heightened as if on retreat. And listen for that small, still voice which is God calling us. 

The Sound Man

Listening with intent is the only way he knows how,

Not able to tune out the mismatches or imbalances,

Continuously adjusting the “hearing” for others,

Based on the message being broadcast.

Showing care, empathy and understanding beyond his role. 

If only I could listen and hear in this way.