Silence

The Teacher gazes upon those gathered around him. "Welcome, my children!" he exclaims and smiles because he knows some here have traveled more miles and have seen many more years than has he.

"Sir, what will we speak of today?" asks a young woman seated near his side.

"I think today we will share our thoughts on Silence," he says and watches as the gathered exchange glances.

An older man speaks up. "Sir, what is there to say about Silence?  It would seem to be somewhat lacking in description and discussion."

"One would think so but Silence can sometimes speak to us in volumes," he says and then settles himself more comfortably before he begins.

"Volumes, Sir? How is that possible? The very definition of Silence would make one believe this cannot be," a young man rises as he speaks and the Teacher sees the puzzled look upon his face.

"Silence, my son, is a perception. If we only focus on the literal meaning, it would have us believe that it is merely the absence of sound.  There is so much to be heard in Silence. However, the key is to listen, to become one with the moment, so that you will feel Silence within you.  Then, and only then, will you hear the beautiful sounds that await you," the Teacher responds.

"But, Sir, Silence has no sound, does it not?" asks another  young one.

The Teacher smiles, "Silence has many sounds but they are heard within our hearts and souls.  They are felt within each of us and upon every breath we take.  But, we must be willing to listen, to believe in what we hear, and to be thankful for the gift.  Silence can be gentle and loving but it can also be tainted with anger and distrust. It can be hued with uncertainty or even a misguided sense of superiority, but Silence can also offer us the most vivid of dreams, the depths of our sorrows, and the treasured moments of our reality.  It can illuminate old memories and create new ones to treasure."

He pauses for a moment, glances out among his captive audience, and sees thoughtful expressions on many faces.

"Silence can be found in every sunrise and every sunset. It can be especially sweet between two who love deeply and need no spoken words to let the other feel that love. It is there in the very silence surrounding them. My children, the true essence of Silence is there for each of us to define and embrace.  The possibilities are endless if we but listen, if we but believe in the power of unspoken words, the beauty of nature's song, and the melody of His creation.

Go now, my children, and open your hearts, release your souls, and hear the Silence of your world, feel its spirit within you.  And remember to allow yourselves to dream and to believe," he says as he rises to leave them.

He smiles once more as he begins to walk away for the gathered are silent, but he feels every thought, every realization, and every unspoken word.