Would you agree that we Americans have become addicted to noise?
We always want to turn up the volume. This high volume of sound we surround ourselves with has such an effect on our mind, body and soul. We need to learn how to be quiet. We need to discover the secret of silence.
A number a years ago I spent my vacation traveling in England. One night I stayed in a 400-year-old country inn. That night as I was preparing for bed I was aware of such a silence! The windows were open but not even the sound of a cricket. There was no hum of a refrigerator or air conditioner, just complete quietness.
This was so exciting to me. I thought I was going to have such a peaceful sleep. But when I got into bed, I discovered my body was tense and tight. It was as if someone were beating drums in the next room. I realized I was uncomfortable with the silence and needed to do some work on being quiet. I made it my personal priority to do so and after several months of trial and error, I learned how to treasure quiet moments and the importance of them. Now when I walk through my New York apartment, I don’t immediately turn on the radio or television. It’s nice to just have some silence… it’s important to my soul.
There are two scriptures that helped make an impact on my inner self. One is the tenth verse of Psalm 46 which reads, “Be still and know that I am God.” By repeating that over and over again, it has made a big difference in my life. God is in the silence. Absolute quiet is being open to the influence and movement of the Spirit. We can know God best in stillness. Say it over and over again:
Be still and know that I am God.”
The other scripture verse is from the 23rd Psalm: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul.” That verse has a natural impact on me. Whenever I can imagine being in the midst of still waters, I am reminded of the wonder and healing effect of those peaceful waters.
I commend these verses to you and suggest that you make them a part of your thinking every day. Before you know it, you will treasure the benefit from the quietness and stillness.
God Bless.
God Bless You Dr. Just what I needed to hear<3
Love & Blessings to You & Your Family..
Always so wonderful to hear from you, Arthur.
Love,
Emily Hancock
Great thoughts, Dr. Caliandro! I long for those peaceful waters too.
Richard Nulman
Dr. Caliandro, I hope you will not mind that my comment, while I certainly agree with you on the value and scarcity of silence, is addressed to your schedule 50 years ago today (January 30, 1962) in Houston, Texas.
On that day, you officiated at a sparsely attended wedding (one witness). We are Jerry and Julie Linnstaedter, celebrating the golden anniversary of that occasion. We want you to know that we have had a wonderfully blessed marriage. Our three daughters are all happily married as well. We have remembered you fondly through the years.
We have lived in Arkansas since 1970, moving here for Jerry to become the chair of math and physics at Arkansas State University. He finished his Ph.D. at Vanderbilt and I completed my BA in math there. We both retired in 2007.
Just thought you might like to visit that little bit of history!
Julie Linnstaedter
Dear Julie and Jerry,
I have thought of you many times over the years and can’t tell you how pleased I am to receive your response to the blog. A whole lifetime has passed! Thank God we’re still around. If you ever get to New York, please get in touch.
Congratulations on the achievements of your life. It is obvious that you have made a significant contribution to the world.
Bless you in every way!
Arthur