I had never aspired to a time of silence. Why would I? Cars have radios for a reason.  I like talking with people.

A silent retreat was part of the Women Touched by Grace program. I applied anyway. During the 5 days of mostly silence at Our Lady of Grace Monastery two years ago, I was surprised and delighted by wonderful bursts of insight and creativity, and to be fair, some terror and darkness as well. With less trepidation, I recently packed up for five days of silence at the Alcyon Center on Mount Desert Island. It was good, very good. Time to read and write and dream and pray and listen. Time to walk alone. Twice daily time for conversation with two skilled spiritual directors. Time to let go of email and news. In the silence my mind stopped racing and a vision for the church and my ministry began to take shape.

Silence can be a teacher and friend. Silence can challenge and frighten. Silence can be torture or make us crazy (ie, solitary confinement). Silence is powerful. Even as I struggle to make space for silence, it is clear that I want the gifts that silence brings. What is your experience of silence?  Please comment with a sentence or a word.