Yearning for Silence and Stillness

“Brief periods of silence and solitude in school can also give students a tool for cultivating rest and renewal--rest for the nervous system, the mind, the body...”
R. Kessler.

Silence and Stillness

In The Soul of Education (Kessler 2000), the seven gateways to the soul are discussed. Each gateway begins with a yearning--which, when acknowledged, can nourish the inner lives of our children, enhance learning, and cultivate resilience. These gateways, or sets of key experiences, create a framework for inviting soul into the classroom. In exploring this second gateway, we must also face the fact that many of us live fast-paced lives. Quiet moments are slowly being squeezed out by numerous activities and over-scheduled days. The constant noise from the TV, computer games, and programmed activities directs our children’s lives from a very young age. Thomas Moore (Care for the Soul, 1992) writes, “Soul cannot thrive in a fast-paced life.” So, while there is a hunger for slowing down, it may be a frightening experience for some children who are so accustomed to the constant outside chatter and busyness.

When quiet moments are included in a day, the nervous system is given a chance to rest, which also has implications for better health; there is respite from the demands of others, and one’s inner self is nourished. By taking the time to go within, we tap into our emotions, creativity and imagination, sensations, feelings, and intuition. When given the chance to identify our feelings, we are able to strengthen our emotional intelligence--the foundation of social skills and meaningful relationships.

Introducing Silence into the Classroom or Home

* Start the day (or end it) inviting silence by doing a “Golden Moment.” First, tense and relax muscles, starting at the feet and going up to our heads. Then breathe in happy feelings and blow out sad ones. Breathe in peace, and blow out mad. Do this one, two, or three times.
* Play serene music as students enter the classroom or during work time.
* End the day with silent reflections: What did you do well today? Is there anything you wish you had done differently? What was hard to talk about today? Why? Did anyone say something to upset you? Or cheer you up? (Be careful to respect their privacy when doing journal reflections).
* Take time to listen to the songs of birds, hear the wind in the trees, and see the different colors in nature.
* Provide a physical space for alone time, which opens more inner space for learning and reflecting.

When we invite silence and stillness, we our honoring our basic human rhythm of moving from the outer to the inner and back again. In doing so, we open the gateway to the soul, which has a powerful effect on spiritual development and learning, and provides a chance to quiet the mind and still the body.

“Follow your breathing, dwell mindfully on your steps, and soon you will find your balance.” Thich Nhat Hahn

Shirley Rivera
Counseling PS-Gr. 5

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