En Silencio Florece el Alma
The Soul Flourishes In Silence
Once upon a time, not so long ago, I found myself at a precious mountain inn near the southern coast of Spain. It was at the time of American Thanksgiving and I was far from home (or so I thought).
It was a majestic place, perched high above a little village. By day my eyes were taken out to sea. At night the village lights twinkled me to sleep. There was no doubt; it was the prettiest place I’d ever seen. For me, it was a paradise.
Quite taken by the views by day and night, I told the innkeeper that I’d found paradise. “Indeed you have,” she proclaimed. “It’s a paradise for your soul. Once you settle in and settle down, the silence will surround you – and you’ll be home.” Watching me take all of this to heart, Claire leaned close and whispered: “En silencio florece el alma (the soul flourishes in silence). It’s the gift I give to you this day. May your soul sing you lullabies tonight. May the silence bring you home.”
At that she placed a small guest book in my hand. “If you will, before you leave, share some words – perhaps like these.” Her eyes directed me to this verse: “It’s in these hills, and beneath this sky, that I find my voice, and I can sing.” (John, from Yorkshire, October 2006). Placing the little book securely in both of my hands, this gentle hostess slowly walked away.
Graced with these invitations, I passed a silent day. As the hours moved on by, I remembered moments when my soul seems full and free: at first light (my writing times in the early dawn) and at “that magic time” (the final good light in each and every day), along with times of hearing clear words of encouragement and those times when laughter rocks my heart. My soul eases me toward home at times like these. I cherish those moments.
And so, I passed my day – en silencio. I remembered friends and family far away. I sent gratitudes quietly on their way. I wrapped myself in the hills; I somehow climbed into the sky. As the time passed, I leaned further and further towards my heart. At day’s end, I found myself singing these words. And now, I send them to you:
I’ll listen with my heart to you, my friend.
I’ll listen with my heart.
I’ll bring my peaceful soul to you, my friend.
I’ll bring my peaceful soul.
It’s the gift that’s mine to give.
It’s the song that’s mine to sing.
May I pass these words along to you?
May I give my words to you?
***
How might you bring silence into your life?
That Magic Time / Remembering / Frigiliana, Spain (2007) / Paris, France / November 28, 2013